A Critique of Anthropological Foundations of Eric Fromm's Viewpoints

The foundations of the human sciences play an important role in the theoretical as well as the practical life of the human being. The way a scholar views the human being determines many aspects of the human sciences, such as its subject matter, its methodology, and its functions. On the other hand, one’s behavior, beliefs, and even attitudes are influenced and strengthened by such a view. This is why it is vital to appraise those foundations in any critique of theories in the human sciences.This article tries to bring to light the anthropological foundations upon which Eric Fromm’s psychoanalytical theories are based. They are discussed in terms of humanism, the essence of humanity, alienation, human common nature, human and religion, and the perfect human being. These topics are finally compared and criticized on the basis of Islamic teachings.