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Theory is “the knowledge or exposition of the general principles or methods of an art or science, as distinguished from the practice of it. (Brown, 1993, p. 3, 274)
What is it about theory and the culture in which theory develops that alienates colleagues from one another when innovations occur? The dictionary definition above reflects the positivistic epistemology of Freud's era more than our own. Hermeneutic and social constructivist sensibilities of post-modem thought influence psychoanalysis today. In his writing, Lewis Aron demonstrates that, if psychoanalysts intend to dialogue effectively about theory, they must examine the nature of knowledge and the socio-political influences on theory building. Just as we have come to recognize the extent to which an analyst's theoretical persuasion organizes a patient's meanings and experiences, we have an obligation to understand the influences that shape that theory. In addition, it is important for psychoanalysts to understand their place in relation to current trends in post-modem thinking. This way of thinking has an impact on practice assumptions that one embraces in the clinical