Apophasis and psychoanalysis

Conference paper

Henderson, D. 2014. Apophasis and psychoanalysis. Mystical Theology and Continental Philosophy. Liverpool, UK 11 - 13 Jul 2014

Publication process dates
Type	Conference paper
Title	Apophasis and psychoanalysis
Authors	Henderson, D.
Abstract	The problem of unknowing is central to the theory and practice of psychoanalysis. This paper argues that psychoanalysis is a contemporary site of apophatic discourse. Pseudo- Dionysius observed that: ‘If one considers these texts with a reverent eye one will see something that brings about unity and manifests a single empathy.’ By casting a ‘reverent eye’ on psychoanalysis we can see that psychoanalytic theory and practice are saturated with apophatic manoeuvres. The intuition of apophasis at work in each of the traditions of psychoanalysis (Freudian, Jungian, Kleinian, Lacanian, Existential, etc.) accounts for their family resemblance.
Keywords	psychoanalysis, apophasis, apophatic, unknowing, learned ignorance, Jung, Deleuze, Derrida
Research Group	Centre for Psychoanalysis
Conference	Mystical Theology and Continental Philosophy
Deposited	31 Jul 2014
Output status	Published
Additional information	Event held at Liverpool Hope University.
Web address (URL)	http://www.hope.ac.uk/mysticaltheology/
Language	English

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