Psychoanalysis in Postmodern Times: Some Questions and Challenges

Abstract

As a consequence of the invitation to contribute this piece of writing, I acknowledge having a postmodern attitude, rather than subscribing to postmodernism as an ideology. The purpose behind this article is to reflect on the impact of postmodern times on psychoanalysis from the starting point of my own conception of psychoanalytic theory and practice. This article looks, in some detail, into the problem of truth in psychoanalysis, the issue of theory building in psychoanalysis in its relation to psychoanalytic practice, and the challenges for psychoanalysis as a pluralistic discipline. It repeatedly states that psychoanalysis evidences extreme theoretical and practical diversity, but no pluralism understood as an attitude and methodology of dialogue between theoretical orientations and practical approaches. The current challenge in psychoanalysis is, precisely, to go beyond postmodernism and to build a true pluralism on the basis on interdisciplinary exchange and collaboration.

Notes

¹ In his recent book, Jorge Canestri (2012, pp. 168–196) has incorporated this suggestion.

² From an epistemological point of view, validity refers to the fact that a proposition is accepted as true. For validation, I understand the process by which the validity of a proposition is established.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Juan Pablo Jiménez

Juan Pablo Jiménez, M.D., is Professor and Director at Departamento de Psiquiatría y Salud Mental, Universidad de Chile, and Training and Supervisor Analyst, Asociación Psicoanalítica Chilena.