Ossowski's Social Psychology

• Published in: The Polish sociological bulletin Vol. 1; no. 29; pp. 33 - 45
• Main Author: Karpinski, Jakub
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Warszawa OSSOLINEUM 01-01-1974; Ossolineum
• Subjects: Coercion/Coercive/Coerciveness; Ossowski, Stanislaw; Personality/Personalities; Social psychology/Social psychologist/Social psychological (see also Psychosocial); Value/Values/Valuation/ Valuations
• ISSN: 0032-2997

Stanislaw Ossowski's key social-psychological concept was polymorphism; ie, the human psyche was characterized by various amounts of differentiation & by dualities. "The situation in which we observe ourselves or are observed by others" was an important influence on the polymorphism of the psyche, as was the influence of the self, other specific individuals, & social groups. He distinguished 2 types of values that determine conduct, sensed values & recognized values. In addition to these psychological concerns, Ossowski reflected on the influence of factors related to the SE system on the personality. He distinguished 'economic', or utilitarian, purposeful activities from 'aesthetic' or expressive, autotelic activities; however, these represented different points of view from which one could regard the same activities & motivations. The subject which most concerned him in this area was the psychological consequences of coercion--whether physical or economic. His works in this area reflect the distinction he made between symbolic & factual activities. A brief treatment of Ossowski's views on values within & without science is included. J. N. Mayer.