Reflections on Human Subjectivity in Modern Society—Based on the Perspectives of Baudrillard, Lacan and Fromm

Abstract

The problem of human subjectivity is prominent in modern society. By revealing the mechanism of consumption alienation in the symbolic society, Baudrillard critiques this mechanism for causing the loss of human subjectivity and the subsequent surge in human desire. Examining unresolved issues about desire and subjectivity within Baudrillard's "Consumer Society" theory through the framework of Lacan's theory of the subject of desire, we will demonstrate that Lacan's interpretation effectively eliminates the problem itself. From Baudrillard's "consumer society" to Lacan's "desire society," people have changed from pure passivity to active awareness of their situation but still do not have enough subjective initiative. On the contrary, Fromm’s humanitarian ethics reflects on the problem of subjectivity from the perspective of holistic man rather than symbol, affirming that the inner power of human love and reason will lead man to transcend the general alienation of man so as to realize one's potential productively with joy and happiness as "being" rather than "thing." Only in Fromm's "productive society" will human subjectivity cease to be an issue.