Freud for the Twenty-First Century: The Science of Everyday Life

Description

This book places Freud’s theory of the reality principle in relation to both everyday experience and global issues of the 21st century and illustrates how it may be practically applied. Arguing against more critical recent accounts of Freud’s science, the author seeks to show how one might apply the scientific method to everyday life. It demonstrates how Freud contributes to a better understanding of reason and how this in turn can be used to unravel the role of unreason in both politics and personal relationships. Including critical examinations of topics such as Narcissism, Victimhood and Empathy, this engaging reappraisal of Freud’s relevance to contemporary life offers fresh insights for psychology, psychoanalysis and cultural theory; as well as practical guidance for a general reader. Front Matter ....Pages i-v Introduction: The Science of Everyday Life (Robert Samuels)....Pages 1-3 Science and the Reality Principle (Robert Samuels)....Pages 5-16 The Pleasure Principle and the Death Drive (Robert Samuels)....Pages 17-25 The Unconscious and the Primary Processes (Robert Samuels)....Pages 27-42 Transference and Narcissism (Robert Samuels)....Pages 43-51 The Resistances to Psychoanalysis and Global Progress (Robert Samuels)....Pages 53-67 Conclusion: Progress and Its Discontents (Robert Samuels)....Pages 69-78 Back Matter ....Pages 79-82