Rudolf Allers (1883–1963)

A Forgotten Scientist, Philosopher and Psychologist of the 20th Century

Abstract

Rudolf Allers was born in Vienna on January 13, 1883. There he completed his studies in medicine and psychiatry. He observed that modern psychology is based on scientism and materialism, and so he studied philosophy in Milan where he “discovered Thomas Aquinas and scholastic philosophy”. He arrived at the conviction that with the aid of philosophy one can avoid erroneous attitudes about man in the field of psychology, and particularly psychoanalysis. He claimed that psychology did not originate in the laboratory of Wilhelm Wundt nor “on the couch” of Sigmund Freud, but rather in Greek philosophical thought before Christ. More perfect expressions thereof were attained in the works of the Christian writers of the Middle Ages. Although in the 20th century the spirit of positivism — which “rejects metaphysics” — prevailed in psychology, Allers was an exception. According to the principles of “eternal philosophy”, he created a “psychological utopia”. He hoped for and encouraged scientists to promote an interconnection between psychology and philosophy. He stressed that man carries within himself his future in the form of his ideals, hopes and tasks, goals and unrealized possibilities.