<論文>自虐と依存から自立へ : 近代の強迫的自律のパラドックス

Abstract

The norm of modern society is "autonomy", "self-control". But it causes self-defeat and dependence. R. Girard says that the desire for autonomy is the imitation of another's. The superiority of the "model=rival" is the evidence of the worth of his or her desire. So, by connecting masochistic and dependent relationship, he or she makes sure of his or her pride. Addiction (codependence, alcoholism etc) is such self-defeating behavior. And addictive behavior orients "nonlife". Modern rationalism itself denies "nature" and "life". But such modern compulsive norm contains the possibility of its destruction. For example, eating disorder is both the typical phenomenon of modernity (the norm of "self-control") and the "resistance" to it. And sexual masochism of men is the defeat of the norm of autonomy. When addictive or codependent person confronts "nonlife", or "hits the bottom", he or she can feel "life felt". The members of AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) surrender theirselves to the God (the Higher Power), and they become free from their burden of "will power". So they can be in sympathy with other members. And AA itself makes efforts not to be spoilt by codependent relationship and wholism. But we can't completely be free from codependent relationship or wholism. And we shouldn't be lost in the "ecstasy" of sympathetic feeling. Recognising such things, we can live not compulsive lives, and we can feel our natural "life felt" and sympathy with others. NABA* (self help group of eating disorders) suggests us "iikagenni-ikiyou". When our selves are independent, we can live such the way of life. In this article, I try to describe the transformation of self in the modern society and independence of the self, using Keiichi Sakuta's theory of self. He says the self has three pahses: "independent self", "social self", "transpersonal self'. I think "social self" makes codependent relationship and wholism, and "transpersonal self' experiences "ecstasy", "life felt". In such ecstasy, one feels that there's no boundary between his or her self and others'. One of the aims of this article is to show the meaning of "transpersonal self" in the modern society. *NABA=Nippon Anorexia Bulimia Association