Unconscious and plasticity: Bridges between psychoanalysis and neuroscience

Abstract

The recent developments in brain science research suggest that terms such as “consciousness” or “unconscious” can be discussed not only on a psychological or psychoanalytic basis, but also on a neurobiological one. The work of several investigators indicates that, through the mechanisms of brain plasticity, an unconscious internal reality can be formed that probably plays a key role in the determination of the subject. The functions of the amygdala can be a good example for visualizing this type of mechanism. Mirror neurons may also play a key role in human development during the prelinguistic stages of life.

Keywords:

• psychoanalysis
• neuroscience
• unconscious
• plasticity
• experience
• trace
• amygdala
• mirror neurons