A Psychoanalytic Foundation for Modern Ethics

Abstract

It is argued that the contemporary psychoanalytic concept of the self provides a foundation for a modern ethic. The self is founded on the empathic recognition by the other who is seen as a subject in her own right. Therefore, the authentic self that realizes its potential is inherently empathic. But those who do not grow up in an empathic environment do not develop the capacity for empathy toward others or themselves and are likely to commit unethical acts. It is argued that the causation is also reversed. Those who commit unethical acts inflict damage upon the self, just as damaged selves are likely to become unethical. The need to disavow the ethical transgression leads to splitting and a weakened self. Without the experience of being empathized with by an other seen as a subject, the subjectivity of the self is arrested and becomes objectified. So, the foundation of ethics for the Western World may be found in the very sense of self. This may be called an ethic of inclination, as opposed to an ethic of imposition. The self who is free to pursue its authentic desires and goals will be ethical in pursuit of its destiny. In this ethic, the other’s subjectivity is recognized and appreciated for what it is even if the other is an opponent or enemy. The source of ethical behavior is self-realization.

Keywords:

• empathy
• ethics
• recognition
• self
• splitting
• subject
• subjectivity

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Frank Summers

Frank Summers, PhD, ABPP is a clinical psychologist and psychoanalyst in private practice in Chicago, Illinois, Professor of Clinical Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg Medical School, Northwestern University, Supervising and Training Analyst, the Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute and the Chicago Center for Psychoanalysis. An associate editor of Psychoanalytic Dialogues, Dr. Summers has published four books, the most recent of which, The Psychoanalytic Vision: The Experiencing Subject, Transcendence and the Therapeutic Process, won the Gradiva Award for the best psychoanalytic book of 2013. Dr. Summers has published more than 70 papers and chapters in professional journals and edited volumes. A former president of Division 39 of the American Psychological Association, he has won several national and local teaching and clinical awards including the Leadership Award of the Society for Psychoanalytic Psychology and Psychoanalysis (2018), The Distinguished Educator Award of the International Federation of Psychoanalytic Education (2004), and the Hans Strupp Award for Contributions to Psychoanalysis, The Appalachian Psychoanalytic Society (2006).