The mind of a rationalist: German reactions to psychoanalysis in the Weimar Republic and beyond.

Kauders, Anthony

Abstract

In this article, the author seeks to trace the various attempts on the part of well-known German psychologists in the Weimar Republic to emphasize the rational side of psychoanalysis. In doing so, the author tries to demonstrate that the early reception in this period often resembled a critique of Freud's rationalism. It is possible to discern one particular form of criticism that emerged time and again, namely the association of psychoanalysis with the rationalist mind. If researchers wish to pinpoint further what lay beneath this purported connection, then it is possible to perceive a pronounced desire to prevent analysis of what many deemed to be sacred and beyond scientific scrutiny: the soul. It is precisely this discontent with Freud's thought that survived well into the Federal Republic, when other forms of critique had been discredited or no longer commanded serious attention. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved)

Citation

Kauders, A. (2005). The mind of a rationalist: German reactions to psychoanalysis in the Weimar Republic and beyond. History of Psychology, 8(3), 255-270

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: 2005-08
• Deposit Date: Aug 2, 2023
• Journal: History of Psychology
• Print ISSN: 1093-4510
• Publisher: American Psychological Association
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 8
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 255-270
• Publisher URL: https://psycnet.apa.org/buy/2005-09256-002