What Is Psychoanalysis?

Unlocked by popular demand: Psychoanalytic writer and teacher Pat Blanchfield joins Sam for a discussion of Freud and politics. Together we ask: how can psychoanalytic tools help us make sense of our irrational political moment, our desires and attachments, as well as conservatism, liberalism, fascism, Donald Trump, and even Thanksgiving? 

If we've done our job right, you'll derive many blistering insights from this discussion whether or not you've read a single page of Sigmund Freud — or remotely buy into his theories of mind, culture, or clinical practice. (And hopefully we didn't talk too fast.) Because Freud would disapprove of any injunction to enjoyment, we'll simply say: "have a listen, if you please."

(Originally published on Patreon 12/01/2021.)

Further Reading/Listening:

KYE Episode 7: "Gun Power" (w/ Pat Blanchfield)

Pat Blanchfield, "Kyle Rittenhouse is an American," Gawker, Nov 16, 2021

Adam Phillips, Becoming Freud: The Making of a Psychoanalyst, Yale Press, Mar 22, 2016.

Peter Gay, Freud: A Life For Our Time (1988)

Jacqueline Rose, "To Die One's Own Death," LRB, Nov 19, 2020

...and don't forget to subscribe to Know Your Enemy on Patreon for access to all of our bonus episodes!