Final answer:
Alfred Adler believed not in the inherent goodness or badness of individuals, but in the importance of social connections and overcoming inferiority. His theory of individual psychology emphasized cooperation and striving for superiority as driving forces in human behavior.
Step-by-step explanation:
Alfred Adler, a prominent psychotherapist known for his development of individual psychology, did not view people as inherently good or bad. Instead, Adler believed in the importance of social connections and the innate drive for individuals to overcome feelings of inferiority, as he proposed with the concept of the inferiority complex. He emphasized the potential of human beings to work cooperatively towards the common welfare and saw the main goal of psychology as recognizing the equal rights and equality of others.
Adler's view contrasts with that of conservative perspectives of the 19th century, such as those held by Joseph de Maistre, who saw human nature as fundamentally depraved due to original sin. Adler's contributions suggest that, rather than being inherently good or evil, human behavior is shaped by a striving for superiority and is influenced by various factors, including birth order, which he also theorized about. He focused on the potential for individuals to contribute positively to society through overcoming feelings of inferiority and striving for personal growth.