The Dialectics of Liberation

by David Graham Cooper

The Congress of the Dialectics of Liberation, held in London in 1967, was a unique expression of the politics of modern dissent, in which existential psychiatrists, Marxist intellectuals, anarchists and political leaders met to discuss - and to constitute - the key social issues of the next decade. Amongst other Stokely Carmichael spoke on Black Power, Herbert Marcuse on liberation from the affluent society, R.D. Laing on social pressures and Paul Sweezy on the future of capitalism. In exploring the roots of violence in society the speakers analysed personal alienation, repression and student revolution. They then turned to the problems of liberation - of physical and cultural 'guerilla warfare' to free man from mystification, from the blind destruction of his environment, and from the inhumanity which he projects onto his opponents in family situations, in wars and in racial conflict. The aim of the congress was to create a genuine revolutionary consciousness by fusing ideology and action on the levels of the individual and of mass society. These speeches clearly indicate the rise of a new, forceful and (to some) ominous style of political activity.

Genres: Philosophy, Politics, Nonfiction, Theory, Psychology

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1968

About the author

David Graham Cooper (born 1931 in Cape Town, South Africa – died 29 July 1986 in Paris, France) was a South African-born psychiatrist and theorist who was prominent in the anti-psychiatry movement.

Cooper graduated from the University of Cape Town in 1955. R.D. Laing claimed that Cooper underwent Soviet training to prepare him as an Anti Apartheid communist revolutionary, but after completing his course he never returned to South Africa out of fear that B.O.S.S. would eliminate him. He moved to London, where he worked at several hospitals. From 1961 to 1965 he ran an experimental unit for young people with schizophrenia called Villa 21, which he saw as a revolutionary 'anti-hospital' and a prototype for the later Kingsley Hall Community. In 1965, he was involved with Laing and others in establishing the Philadelphia Association. An "existential Marxist" he left the Philadelphia Association in the 1970s in a disagreement over its lack of political orientation. Cooper coined the term "anti-psychiatry" in 1967, and wrote the book Psychiatry and Anti-psychiatry in 1971.

Reviews

[Elena K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not all of the addresses aged well (the Congress was held in July 1967) but a few are enduring, powerful, important- in particular: "Black Power" by Stokely Carmichael and "Liberation from the Affluent Society" by Herbert Marcuse

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

An eclectic gathering of essayists make this collection of speeches a pleasure to read. And while their specific fields are not necessarily commonly associated, the message unites them. Revolutionary change is required to overthrow and replace the Capitalist-State system currently dominating, oppressing, and destroying the planet for its human inhabitants. Strange - to those not paying attention maybe - that this book was published in 1968. Nearly all its arguments still hold true, much the the increasing sadness of the overwhelming majority of humankind. While not finding much of profound significance here, I am 100% in line with their goal. I particularly loved Carmichael's selection. Unrepentant, militant, angry, and intelligent, just like the man who wrote it.

[Soph Nova · Rating 4 out of 5]

I should have read a more in-depth description of the content of this book before diving in - I didn't realize it would be so focused on a dialectical critique of psychology/psychiatry. That being said, it's a fascinating snapshot of the way that theory and practice were relating to each other in that specific historical moment - and the intense theory beforehand makes Stokely Carmichael's speech snap into relief that much more fiercely.

[Theodoros Vassiliadis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Modest to militant lectures that took place in the London conference on liberation - social and mental - by an interesting gamut of thinkers and that bear and analyze the timely spirit of the age , namely wars, imperialist thirst , corporate government.
Unfolding has vigour and a variegated repertoire. It's a worth reading that renders fruits w/ no prerequisites and reveals the human and political condition in the end of the 60's

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

These (mostly) academics spent two weeks at a conference talking about liberation and labor and self-determination, yet not one of them acknowledged those they left at home taking care of the children and pets etc. Amazing.

But anyway, I'll be looking for more from Laing, Goldmann, Marcuse, and Carmichael/Ture.

[Steven R]

Very of its time. Best pieces in it were the Laing and the Marcuse. Stokely was pretty good too though, like the rest of it, quite dated. The Goodman piece was absolute dogshit, just truly horrendous.

[Tawny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kinda feel like they put Stokely Carmichael and Herbert Marcuse towards the back in this so that you have to read some pretty boring stuff to get to them. Enjoyed overall.

[Janet]

Wild!

[Eurethius Péllitièr · Rating 5 out of 5]

With definitely some deep and confusing discussions, however many of the essays produced excellent points, and were presented brilliantly despite not always agreeing with each other

[Jonathan]

Delicious dialectic. Not to be confused with devious dianetics.