Freud's Argument for the Oedipus Complex: A Philosophy of Science Analysis of the Case of Little Hans

In this book, Jerome C. Wakefield reconstructs Freud's Oedipal theory of the psychoneuroses and critically rethinks its epistemological foundations. He evaluates four central arguments and demonstrates that while Freud's arguments are brilliant, he misread the facts of the Hans case and failed to support the theory as judged by his own evidential standards. However, this failure creates an opportunity for renewed consideration of psychoanalysis's distinctive contribution to understanding an individual's unique meaning system and confronting meanings outside of focal awareness to reshape their fate.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 286 pages
Publication date: 23 September 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In this comprehensive exploration of Freudian theory,Jerome C. Wakefield meticulously reconstructs Freud's argument for the Oedipal theory of the psychoneuroses, contextualizing it within the framework of philosophy of science. Wakefield critically reevaluates the epistemological foundations of psychoanalysis, offering a thoughtful analysis of four central Freudian arguments.

The first argument examines the notion of undirected anxiety, suggesting that Hans experienced anxiety before developing his horse phobia. Wakefield employs scholarly detective work to resolve a longstanding dispute between behaviorists and psychoanalysts regarding the timing of Hans's exposure to a frightening horse accident.

The second argument delves into the day the horse fell down, exploring the intricate details of Hans's encounter with the horse. Wakefield's meticulous research sheds light on a century-old debate, clarifying when Hans witnessed the traumatic event.

The third argument examines the N=1 sexual repression argument, which posits that the trajectory of Hans's sexual desires aligns with the predictions of the Oedipal theory. Wakefield meticulously analyzes the evidence, demonstrating that while Freud's arguments are well-conceived, they fail to support the Oedipal theory as measured by his own stated evidential standards.

However, this failure presents an opportunity for a fresh perspective on psychoanalysis. Wakefield highlights the unique contribution of psychoanalysis: the understanding of an individual's distinct meaning system and the confrontation with meanings outside of focal awareness to reshape their fate.

This book appeals to psychoanalysts and psychotherapists alike, serving as a valuable resource for scholars engaged in the fields of psychoanalysis, philosophy of science, and the history of psychiatry. Wakefield's meticulous scholarship and critical analysis provide a profound exploration of Freudian theory, offering valuable insights into the complexities of the human mind and the therapeutic potential of psychoanalysis.

Weight: 464g
Dimension: 234 x 156 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032224084