Introduction

Regularly over the past 60 years—and now once again—there are those who say that psychoanalysis is dead, dying, or at the very least outmoded and superseded by_____________________________________ (the blank may be filled with whatever is the current phrase; it changes about every other month).

We find the opposite.

We find that the science of psychoanalysis is more alive and more exciting than ever; that it is broadening and deepening its research into the intrapsychic life of man, into his interpersonal relationships, and into the world around him—family, society and culture.

In this volume, we present a compendium of the scope of psychoanalysis.

We are astonished and dismayed by those in any field who believe they know it all and are closed-minded, particularly in these times of snowballing new developments. One would have to be dead not to be breathlessly excited at the thinking—and rethinking—that is stimulated by these developments.

From its inception, The Psychoanalytic Forum has aimed at having open, free discussion of the many ideas in psychoanalysis. To stimulate creative unritualized thinking in all of us, we deliberately strive to obtain the broadest range of discussants, wherever possible selecting experts we know to differ with the author's thesis—and with each other. Our discussants are informed, “You may discuss the essay as a whole or any aspect of it that arouses your interest. You may challenge the author's methodology, his data, or his conclusions. You may state your agreement with the author, extend the scope of the paper, or focus on relevant material which he has neglected. You are free to say whatever you wish about the paper, but personal attacks should be avoided.” And we publish what they say even when we personally vehemently disagree.

Wherever possible we seek the opinions of those from other disciplines. In this regard it pleases—and enlightens—us to bring together on our pages such experts from such diverse disciplines as a Nobel Laureate in