Sartre's Existential Psychoanalysis: Knowing Others

This book argues that Jean-Paul Sartres application of his psychoanalytic method to Gustave Flaubert demonstrates that it is possible to know everything there is to know about another person. It highlights how Sartres determination to solve the philosophical conundrum about other minds drives him to incorporate insights from Descartes, Hegel, Husserl, Freud, Marx, and Beauvoir into his philosophy and to supplement and enhance it through the development and application of a new form of psychoanalysis.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 17 November 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Western philosophical orthodoxy often limits our understanding of other people's lives, asserting that there are certain aspects that remain beyond our grasp. However, this book presents a compelling alternative viewpoint. It argues that Jean-Paul Sartre's application of his unique psychoanalytic method to Gustave Flaubert represents the pinnacle of his project, aimed at demonstrating that it is indeed possible to know everything about another person. Through an in-depth examination, it explores how Sartre seeks to revolutionize our perception of others by presenting his existential psychoanalysis as the pathway to knowledge of both ourselves and others. By integrating insights from various philosophical figures such as Descartes, Hegel, Husserl, Freud, Marx, and Beauvoir into his philosophy, Sartre not only expands upon his ideas but also enhances them through the development and application of a novel form of psychoanalysis.

Sartre's Existential Psychoanalysis is a groundbreaking work that integrates Sartre's psychoanalysis into his overarching philosophical project. By critically examining the role his psychoanalytical studies played in the development of his existentialism, Mary Edwards uncovers the overlooked philosophical significance of his existential psychoanalysis and establishes a fruitful dialogue with contemporary research in the fields of philosophy, psychology, and psychotherapy. This book offers a valuable contribution to the understanding of Sartre's thought and its relevance to contemporary debates, providing a deeper exploration of his philosophical project and its implications for our understanding of human nature and the complexities of interpersonal relationships.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350173477