Killing Freud: 20th-century culture and the death of psychoanalysis

[Carlos Hernandez]

Killing Freud: 20th-century culture and the death of psychoanalysis by Todd Dufresne
Disastrous victory of a 20th-century shaman
By Justin Wintle
16 December 2003

Had Freud and his celebrated "talking cure" never happened, would BT still have come up with "It's Good to Talk"? Would the slogan have such ambiguous ring-tones? Post-Freud, the proposition is scarcely one that entices all subscribers. Good to chat, maybe; good to discuss and debate. But by its one-sided definition of "talk", psychoanalysis unsettles.

Complete text at
http://enjoyment.independent.co.uk/books/reviews/story.jsp?story=473782

 

[mikelus]

I have not read much about freud. Can someone tell me the basic concepts of his pychoanalysis theory.

 

[R0man]

The idea of killing Freud and psychoanalysis is not a new one. Many critics and scholars have questioned the validity and relevance of Freud's theories in the 20th century, and Todd Dufresne's book is just one example of this ongoing debate. However, the question posed by Justin Wintle in his article is an interesting one: would the modern concept of talking and communication still exist without Freud's influence?

On one hand, it can be argued that Freud's theories have had a lasting impact on our understanding of human behavior and the importance of communication in relationships. The concept of the unconscious and the idea that our thoughts and actions are influenced by hidden desires and conflicts has become ingrained in our cultural consciousness. This has led to the development of various forms of therapy and self-help techniques that aim to improve communication and understanding in relationships.

On the other hand, as the article suggests, the concept of talking and communication has taken on a new meaning in the 20th century. In today's society, talking is often seen as a way to express oneself and share one's experiences, rather than a means of uncovering hidden desires and conflicts. This shift in perspective can be attributed to the influence of modern psychology and self-help movements, which have moved away from Freud's emphasis on the unconscious and towards a more conscious and self-aware approach to communication.

In this sense, it can be argued that while Freud's theories may have laid the foundation for our understanding of communication, they have also been challenged and transformed by modern culture. The rise of alternative therapies and the increasing focus on individualism and self-expression have led to a decline in the popularity of traditional psychoanalysis. As Wintle suggests, this can be seen as a "disastrous victory" for Freud, as his ideas have been both embraced and rejected by modern society.

In conclusion, while Freud's theories may have had a significant impact on our understanding of communication, it is clear that they have also been shaped and challenged by 20th-century culture. Whether or not this can be seen as a "death" of psychoanalysis is debatable, but what is certain is that the concept of talking and communication will continue to evolve and adapt in response to the ever-changing cultural landscape.