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I feel uneasy about the Editorial ( J. Am. Acad. Psychoanal. Dyn. Psychiatr., 3 (2): 129-130) written by Dr. Earl G. Witenberg, particularly about the following statements:
Pribram's efforts at tying neurobiological phenomenon into psychological defense theory is fascinating but disruptive. Building a systems theory has proven well nigh impossible in biology. Building a systems theory in psychoanalysis is impossible.
What disturbs me is not, of course, that I would likely disagree if Dr. Witenberg would clarify and elaborate his statements. Neither do I feel uneasy that he perhaps expresses a view which may be a minority view among the members of the Academy. The only thing which worries me is that in an Editorial he makes authoritative statements on a controversial issue, without giving any reasons for them, nor giving reference to literature where reasons he regards as compelling are given. Why is the building of systems theory in psychoanalysis impossible? Why are Pribram's efforts disruptive? By not giving reasons, an impression is created that Dr. Witenberg's statements should be self-evident to a sensible reader.
The motive of this letter is not to criticize. I agree fully with the last sentence of Dr. Witenberg's Editorial, and in that spirit I believe it is appropriate to ask him to support his position in order to facilitate a useful discussion.