Apophasis and psychoanalysis

Conference paper


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

Keywordspsychoanalysis, apophasis, apophatic, unknowing, learned ignorance, Jung, Deleuze, Derrida
Research GroupCentre for Psychoanalysis
ConferenceMystical Theology and Continental Philosophy
Publication process dates
Deposited31 Jul 2014
Output statusPublished
Additional information

Event held at Liverpool Hope University.

Web address (URL)http://www.hope.ac.uk/mysticaltheology/
LanguageEnglish
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