Freud On A Precipice PDF Download

Freud on a Precipice is a psychoanalytic detective story that takes the reader back to the generally unappreciated, yet single most important turning point in the history of psychoanalysis: Freuds decision following the death of his father to abandon his first, reality-centered theory of the mind in favor of a theory focused on inner fantasies and needs. Robert Langs views this change of heart as a regressive paradigm shift driven by unconsciously influential archetypes that were, in turn, linked to a series of traumas early in Freuds life. Langss detective work brings new insights into such matters as the psychological archetypes that affect the creation and modification of paradigms, physical and mental; a new, utilitarian view of the design of the emotion-processing mind; recognition of the complex unconscious impact of reality and death-related traumas on the human psyche and emotionally charged choices; the vast superiority of Freuds first paradigm over his second theory of the mind; and the unconscious reasons, despite its many flaws, that Freuds second paradigm remains in favor to this very day. Freud saved his own life by shifting course, but at the same time he created a theory that must be held partly accountable for the compromised forms of dynamic therapy and the broad psychological harm that have followed in its wake. Using an updated version of Freuds first paradigm, Langs shows us a better way to live and work. Book jacket.