The concept of marginal situations in comparison of Viktor Frankl and Philip Zimbardo
The concept of marginal situations in comparison of Viktor Frankl and Philip Zimbardo

Summary/Abstract: In this article we will focus on marginal situations from the perspective of logotherapy, founded by Viktor E. Frankl. When setting up a psychotherapy school, Frankl drew mainly from his life experience, which brought him confirmation of his basic thesis that man can be free, despite all circumstances. The concept of marginal situations already appears in the eminent philosopher of the 20th century by Karl Jaspers, whose ideas Frankl developed. In the course of one's life, one may encounter marginal situations characterized by the impossibility to change it. These marginal situations are described by Frankl as situations that they cannot circumvent or change, such as death, guilt, suffering, which Frankl describes as a tragic triad. Frankl was convinced that even in marginal situations one could realize his existence as a whole. Looking at the concept of marginal situations from the perspective of American psychologist Philip Zimbardo, we find that although the authors agree on the meaning of marginal situation, they look differently at the human experience of these situations. So what can we call a marginal situation from the point of view of two thinkers? And how do the concepts of marginal situations agree and differ from the point of view of Viktor Frankl and Philip Zimbardo? The aim of this paper will be to present the basic consensus of Philip Zimbardo and Viktor E. Frankl, but at the same time to point out marginal situations as an aspect that can greatly suppress our freedom.

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