About the Psychological Nature of Fascism

Abstract

The article analyzes the psychological basis of fascism. Fascism is interpreted as an ideology not of maximizing power and control, but of absolutization of inequality. The probability of the role of Kant's "categorical imperative" principle in its formation is substantiated. Kant denied the affinity of human consciousness (mind) with the Transcendent. Therefore, the categorical imperative, being the maximalism of self-blind submission to a "duty" arbitrarily set by a person for himself, is a form of self-violence over his mind. Establishing morality for himself, a person inevitably feels his exclusivity, elitism, realizes himself as the creator and owner of morality (and even "God himself"). This attitude is obviously inherent in the fascist personality. At the same time, the lack of reflection and self-criticism leads to self-encapsulation and, consequently, to self-abasement, experiencing oneself as a "Victim". The pseudo-moral experience of being a victim is the hidden core of the fascized personality. The self-pity of the "Victim", without changing its essence, can expand and extend to the collective "I", to "my own". This is how empathy arises, which, spreading to its community: nation, race, and becomes the basis of group egoism. Empathy among adherents of fascism can play a big role, since empathy for "their own" replaces morality as a single moral norm.