This paper defends the importance of theory in a science as contrasted with a one-sided 'practical' orientation. There is no science without theory, and all good theory can be used for a better practice. It is true that the relation of theory and practice is more complicated in psychoanalysis than in other sciences, due to the fact that the research method of psychoanalysis is based on empathy. The psychoanalyst has the difficult task of developing an object relationship as well as an identification with his analysands, simultaneously