Abstract
I wish to formulate in broad outline an approach to the conceptualization of psychoanalysis that is divested from theory. This view sees the core of psychoanalysis as a humanistic practice, first and foremost guided by the individuality of the dyadic encounter, rather than as a science. I will not argue for any particular view of psychoanalysis. Instead I marshal a series of considerations from the humanities, to frame a conceptualization of psychoanalysis as a clinically based interpretive discipline having a unique mission. Finally, I will present a futuristic hypothetical scenario whose aim is to show why psychoanalysis will remain a viable enterprise basically as conceived by Freud.
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1Clinical Associate Professor (Retired), Department of Medicine, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York City.
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Appelbaum, J. Should Psychoanalysis Become a Science?. Am J Psychoanal 71, 1–15 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1057/ajp.2010.31
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/ajp.2010.31