Joseph Scalia III and Lynne S. Scalia, "Critical Consciousness: Beyond Impasses in Environmentalism, Psychoanalysis, and Education" (Routledge, 2025)

Feb 5, 2026

Joseph Scalia III, psychoanalyst, environmental activist, and co-director of the Institute for a Democratic Psychoanalysis, brings a pluralistic take on entrenched institutions. He explores institutional ossification across psychoanalysis, environmentalism, and education. Conversations trace his Montana wilderness roots, reform efforts, resistance from establishments, and where small pockets of solidarity might spark broader change.

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INSIGHT

Integrated Call For Societal Transformation

Joseph Scalia III connects his psychoanalytic work, environmental activism, and education into a single project demanding societal transformation.
He defines "radical" as a complete overhaul and "militant" as confronting complacency to force uncomfortable self-examination.

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ANECDOTE

From Mainstream To Grassroots Environmentalism

Joseph recounts leading both mainstream and grassroots wilderness organizations and seeing mainstream groups accept big money and shift narratives.
He contrasts a compromised mainstream with a grassroots group that remained hardcore in defending Wilderness.

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INSIGHT

Democracy, Mondialization, And The Common Good

Scalia draws on Castoriadis and the Freudian School of Quebec to argue democracy must foster individuals who can generate a common good.
He rejects globalization's homogeny in favor of "mondialization," which centers culture and democratic self-creation.

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Motivation for Writing Critical Consciousness

00:36 • 7min

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Integrating Activism, Psychoanalysis, Education

07:42 • 2min

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Need for Societal Transformation

10:00 • 4min

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Institute for Democratic Psychoanalysis Origins

Resistance Faced by Reformers

20:10 • 3min

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Christopher Bolas' Influence

22:40 • 6min

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Personal Journey Through Schools

28:33 • 5min

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Terra and Deimos: Earth and Human

Living Close to Wildness

41:08 • 3min

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Pretending to Be Analysts and Growth

43:48 • 5min

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Critical Consciousness Defined

48:29 • 2min

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Environmentalism's Internal Blindness

50:32 • 5min

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Pockets of Resistance and Alliances

Critical Consciousness

Beyond Impasses in Environmentalism, Psychoanalysis, and Education

Joseph Scalia III

Lynn Scalia

Critical Consciousness: Beyond Impasses in Environmentalism, Psychoanalysis, and Education provides insight into the antagonism and disputative dialogue present in contemporary discourse. Taking a broad, pluralistic psychoanalytic perspective, the authors shed light on how and why ideology and conflict have infiltrated education, environmentalism, and psychoanalysis. This book unpacks forms of indoctrination and rejection of new ideas in environmentalism, considers the desubjectification of the human in mental health 'services,' and assesses how the educational world needs leaders who can articulate unspoken educational aims that perpetuate inequalities, hidden oppression, and their pathogenic effects on disenfranchised groups. This book takes account of the competing schools of psychoanalysis, their members' dismissiveness and enmity toward each other, and their rationalized resistances to discussion across the aisles. From that viewscape, a challenging path forward is proposed.

The Vitality of Objects

exploring the work of Christopher Ballas

Joseph Scalia III

Christopher Ballas

This anthology delves into the transformative power of objects and their profound influence on human experience, exploring the work of Christopher Bollas. Examining objects as carriers of meaning and catalysts for emotional growth, the book explores how individuals form deep connections with the world around them. Through essays and case studies, the book explores how objects shape our sense of self and our relationships with others. The book highlights how engagement with objects can facilitate self-discovery, creativity, and healing. By recognizing the vitality inherent in objects, readers can gain a richer appreciation for the ways in which our environment shapes our lives.

Intimate Violence

Attacks Upon Psychic Interiority

Joseph Scalia III

This book explores the profound impact of psychic attacks on an individual's inner world, delving into the subtle yet devastating forms of emotional and psychological abuse. Joseph Scalia III examines how such violence can erode a person's sense of self, leading to feelings of isolation, alienation, and a loss of vitality. Drawing on psychoanalytic theory and clinical case studies, the book offers insights into the dynamics of psychic violence and its far-reaching consequences. Scalia explores the ways in which individuals can begin to heal from these wounds and reclaim their inner lives. By understanding the nature of these attacks, readers can learn to identify and resist them, ultimately fostering resilience and a stronger sense of self.

The Cure for Psychoanalysis

Adam Phillips

Adam Phillips' 'The Cure for Psychoanalysis' challenges conventional notions of therapeutic success and explores the paradoxical nature of psychoanalytic treatment. Phillips argues that psychoanalysis is not about achieving a definitive cure but rather about cultivating a capacity for uncertainty and self-reflection. He suggests that the most valuable outcome of analysis is the ability to tolerate ambiguity and to embrace the complexities of the human psyche. Phillips emphasizes the importance of playfulness and creativity in the analytic process, encouraging both analyst and patient to resist the urge for fixed interpretations. The book invites readers to reconsider their expectations of therapy and to embrace the ongoing journey of self-discovery.

#1177

• Mentioned in 31 episodes

Pedagogy of the Oppressed

Paulo Freire

Paulo Freire's "Pedagogy of the Oppressed" is a seminal work in education theory that critiques traditional, banking-style education and advocates for a more liberating approach. Freire argues that education should be a transformative process that empowers students to critically analyze their world and challenge oppressive structures. He emphasizes dialogue and participatory learning as essential tools for fostering critical consciousness and social change. The book's enduring influence lies in its challenge to traditional power dynamics in education and its call for a more just and equitable learning environment. Freire's work has inspired educators and activists around the world to rethink their approaches to teaching and learning.

Critical Consciousness: Beyond Impasses in Environmentalism, Psychoanalysis, and Education (Routledge, 2025) provides insight into the antagonism and disputative dialogue present in contemporary discourse.

Taking a broad, pluralistic psychoanalytic perspective, the authors shed light on how and why ideology and conflict have infiltrated education, environmentalism, and psychoanalysis. This book unpacks forms of indoctrination and rejection of new ideas in environmentalism, considers the desubjectification of the human in mental health "services," and assesses how the educational world needs leaders who can articulate unspoken educational aims that perpetuate inequalities, hidden oppression, and their pathogenic effects on disenfranchised groups. This book takes account of the competing schools of psychoanalysis, their members' dismissiveness and enmity toward each other, and their rationalized resistances to discussion across the aisles. From that viewscape, a challenging path forward is proposed.

Critical Consciousness is of great interest to psychoanalysts in practice and in training, and to readers interested in the psychological aspects of dehumanization, competition, and opposing group identity.

Ben Greenberg, PsyD is a psychologist, psychoanalyst, and founding director of the Center for Dynamic Practice in Santa Fe, NM. After a wonderful recent conversation with Tracy Morgan about Psychoanalysis, she suggested I become a host to do interviews about a few books I mentioned I'm excited about. I love to hear interviews about new books. I have published several scientific papers among other written media, and am working on a few book manuscripts as well.

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