Epistemological assumptions of postmodern philosophy and critique of autonomous subject

Abstract

In the following article the fundamental philosophical and theoretical presuppositions of postmodern philosophy which influenced the critical theory, sociology, psychology and psychotherapy are explained. The most important contributions of philosophy to counseling and psychotherapy are highlighted. In the central part of the article the core of postmodern philosophy which deconstructs the »solipsistic« logic of the philosopher René Descartes are explained. Which philosophical ideas can be used in psychotherapy is illustrated. Despite the idea of the »death of the subject« and the criticism of autonomy it is possible to rehabilitate the non-essentialist concept of the subject.