Escaping alienation

the long version

"The reader will find herein a philosophical understanding of alienation and a prescription for overcoming it. This conclusion is established by a progression of logically interrelated concepts provided in successive chapters. Development begins by first explaining alienation with a general philosophical conception of negativity. Upon this basis, the self is defined and the phases of its development are described. The process of socialization is then analyzed with its contributing components defined. This foundation is applied to understanding social institutions and phenomena, particularly religion and culture. Alienation and socialization is then related to personal freedom and the contemporary cultural experimentation with extending its scope and limits. Along the way in these analyses, the roots of evil and the role of traditional authority are dealt with. Finally, a prescription for overcoming alienation is provided in terms of socialization and the development of freedom and rationality for every individual."--BOOK JACKET.