Philip Rieff

Philip Rieff (1922–2006) was an American sociologist and cultural critic, known for his writings on the impact of Freudian theory on Western culture. He is best known for his influential book 'The Triumph of the Therapeutic: Uses of Faith after Freud' (1966), which examines the rise of psychological man in contemporary society and the decline of traditional religious and ethical frameworks. Rieff's work often focused on the intersection of culture, religion, and psychology, and he is considered a significant figure in the field of sociology of culture.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Triumph of the Therapeutic

    This book explores the shift in Western society from a community-oriented, moralistic perspective to a more individualistic, therapeutic one. The author argues that the rise of psychotherapy and the decline of traditional religious authority have led to a culture that values self-fulfillment and personal happiness over communal responsibility and moral duty. He suggests that this shift has profound implications for the future of society, as it undermines the shared values and beliefs that hold communities together.