ves differentiating between oneself and ones life bearer (Corey 2001). David Berkowitz was unable to separate himself sufficiently from his mother pearl. Her death left him torn apart and angry, his own identity in limbo. Berkowitz blamed his mother for dying, which contributed negatively to his already growing frustration with women.May also posited 4 states of consciousness of self; these include the stage of innocence, which is exhibited during infancy. The stage of rebellion, which encompasses adolescence, and involves hostility in an attempt to gain strength. And the stage of ordinary consciousness in which an individual is able to learn from their actions and live independent responsible lives (Engler 1999). Berkowitz was unable to ever enter the stage of ordinary consciousness; he remained in the rebellious stage through his adult years. Instead of slowly learning responsibility and life lessons, Berkowitz displayed his rebellion and search for inner strength outwardly through his killing.Finally, David Berkowitz was fully taken over by Rollo May’s concept of the Daimonic. May brought about the notion of the Daimonic, a natural function that has the power to take over an individual fully in thought and action (Engler 1999). In Berkowitz’s case his Daimonic was his obsession with his angry feelings toward women and the subsequent killing. His repressed frustration with females led him to be taken over by his hatred, and controlled by his urges. Berkowitz was unable to integrate his Daimonic successfully into his being, loosing control over its power and his decision making process. The Existential philosophy stresses freedom and responsibility at its core. Jean Paul Sartre’s stated that we are “condemned to freedom,” insinuating that we are slaves to our decisions and their repercussions (Corey 2001). Although Berkowitz’s out lashing can be explained by existential issues, he is still re...
