New Books in Psychology

Joel Whitebook, "Freud: An Intellectual Biography" (Cambridge UP, 2017)

Jan 7, 2025

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Joel Whitebook, a philosopher and psychoanalyst at Columbia University, discusses his book on Freud's complex life and work. He argues that Freud's insights remain relevant, revealing the interplay between his personal struggles and theoretical contributions. The dialogue highlights Freud's relationship with maternal absence, the evolution of psychoanalytic thought, and the shift from Oedipal to pre-Oedipal frameworks. Whitebook also examines Freud's hidden traumas and their impact on his theories, providing a nuanced portrait of the father of psychoanalysis.

57:26

Episode guests

Joel Whitebook

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Quick takeaways

Dr. Joel Whitebook emphasizes the need to assess Freud's intellectual contributions within the historical and cultural contexts that shaped his theories.

The podcast highlights the societal tendency to resist internal reflection in psychoanalysis, which complicates the understanding of personal psychology.

Deep dives

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Intro

4min

Freud's Life and Theories Intertwined

12min

Exploring the Frankfurt School: Psychology and Marxism Converge

4min

Exploring the Shift from Oedipal to Pre-Oedipal Psychoanalysis

4min

Classical vs Unclassical Psychoanalysis

9min

Freud's Hidden Traumas

21min

We interview Dr. Joel Whitebook, philosopher and psychoanalyst about his book Freud: An Intellectual Biography (Cambridge UP, 2017). Dr. Whitebook works in Critical Theory in the tradition of the Frankfurt School, developing that tradition with his clinical and philosophical knowledge of recent advances in psychoanalytic theory.

The life and work of Sigmund Freud continue to fascinate general and professional readers alike. Joel Whitebook here presents the first major biography of Freud since the last century, taking into account recent developments in psychoanalytic theory and practice, gender studies, philosophy, cultural theory, and more. Offering a radically new portrait of the creator of psychoanalysis, this book explores the man in all his complexity alongside an interpretation of his theories that cuts through the stereotypes that surround him. The development of Freud's thinking is addressed not only in the context of his personal life, but also in that of society and culture at large, while the impact of his thinking on subsequent issues of psychoanalysis, philosophy, and social theory is fully examined. Whitebook demonstrates that declarations of Freud's obsolescence are premature, and, with his clear and engaging style, brings this vivid figure to life in compelling and readable fashion.

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