The Evolution of Freud: His Theoretical Development of the Mind-Body Relationship and the Role of Sexuality

Barry R. Silverstein's The Evolution of Freud provides an overview of the development of Freud's theories, tracing the inner movement of his theory construction, meaning, coherence, conceptual logic, and personal directions. It explores his changing views on unconscious mental functioning, early childhood experiences, fantasy, and psychic reality, and their role in the formation of adult character structure and neuroses. It is a valuable resource for students, trainees, and established psychoanalysts and psychotherapists.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 174 pages
Publication date: 09 March 2022
Publisher: Phoenix Publishing House

Renowned Freud scholar Barry R. Silverstein delves into the historical context of Freud's theories, exploring the intricate development of his ideas. What drove Freud's thinking? When did his ideas emerge, and what shaped them? The book meticulously traces the inner movement of Freud's theory construction, examining its meaning, coherence, and conceptual logic. It also delves into his personal directions concerning the reciprocal interactions between mind and body, the motivational force of instinctual drives, and the dominant role of sexuality rooted in evolutionary biology in human development, behavior, and the creation of neurotic disturbances. Furthermore, Silverstein reconstructs Freud's theoretical models, delving into the nature, dynamics, and principles of unconscious mental functioning, including his evolving concepts on the nature and purpose of dreams. The book also explores Freud's changing views on the role of deferred action of early childhood experiences, the determining role of unconscious fantasy, and psychic reality in the formation of adult character structure and neuroses. Through this comprehensive historical analysis, The Evolution of Freud offers a profound understanding of Freud's familiar concepts: id, ego, superego, and the Oedipus complex. It delves into what these concepts meant to Freud, why he conceived them, and the functions they served in his theory of mind. This invaluable resource is a must-read for students and trainees seeking to deepen their knowledge of Freud's theories, as well as for established psychoanalysts and psychotherapists seeking to expand their understanding of these profound psychological concepts.

Weight: 306g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781912691401