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The analyst's subjectivity and the analyst's objectivity
The International Journal of Psycho-Analysis
|August 26, 1998
Summary
Contemporary psychoanalysts increasingly acknowledge intersubjectivity, but this doesn't negate objectivity. A pragmatic definition of analyst objectivity, embracing subjectivity, is proposed for psychoanalysis as a science.
Area of Science:
- Psychoanalysis
- Clinical Psychology
- Philosophy of Science
Background:
- Contemporary psychoanalysis increasingly examines intersubjectivity in clinical encounters.
- This trend is sometimes misinterpreted as undermining psychoanalytic objectivity.
Observation:
- The author proposes a pragmatic definition of analyst objectivity.
- This definition reconciles objectivity with the analyst's inherent subjectivity.
Findings:
- Objectivity encompasses both objects and objectives, a concept used in modern science.
- Psychoanalysis is framed as a science, not merely a hermeneutic discipline.
- Implicit positivist assumptions can hinder understanding of subjectivity and objectivity.
Implications:
- The proposed pragmatic objectivity is consistent with clinical psychoanalysis.
- Consensus plays a crucial role in achieving psychoanalytic objectivity.
- Acknowledging differing clinical objectives among analysts is vital.