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“Was Maslow an Aristotelian?” Revisited

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Abstract

It is argued that in the formulation of his health and growth psychology Maslow was not inspired by Aristotelian philosophy but rather by Kurt Goldstein. A close study of Maslow’s written references to Aristotle reveals that he was critical of Aristotle’s understanding of the growth hypothesis, mainly its teleological features. It is thus concluded that Maslow was not an Aristotelian.

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This essay was supported by a New York State/United University Professions Dr. Nuala McGann Drescher Affirmative Action Leave Award.

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Decarvalho, R.J. “Was Maslow an Aristotelian?” Revisited. Psychol Rec 41, 117–123 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03395097

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