NEO-HUMANISM AND DIMINUTION OF THE CONCEPT OF THE HUMAN

Abstract

The argument of this study is that the horizon of the "human" conceptin premodern eras underwent a gradual constriction in terms ofcontent and meaning upon the emergence of modern thought;accordingly, such constriction and diminution are examined withinthe course of history. Therefore, the diminution of concept of the"human" is discussed, first, within the context of "modern secularhumanism," in the sense of the bereavement of the idea of completebeing and completion (kamal) in the wake of positioning theknowing (rational) subject into the center of being and thought.Second, the same discussion is offered in more detail with regard tothe transformation of the knowing subject into the desiring/willingsubject under the influence of the legitimizing effect of Freudian andLacanian psychoanalysis. According to this study, abovementioneddiminution or constriction in the concept of the human has occurredover a course that led to the decentralization of the subject;nevertheless, it paved the way for a new human condition with noground of legitimacy other than unconscious desires. Consequently,man has remained in the middle of a complete experience of nihilismin the sense of total disconnection from truth, in line with thereproduction of being and values arising pursuant to the culture ofconsumption and the image.