The Unconscious: A Bridge Between Psychoanalysis and Cognitive Neuroscience

The Unconscious explores the critical interdisciplinary dialogue between psychoanalysis and contemporary cognitive neuroscience. Characterised by Freud as ‘the science of the unconscious mind’, psychoanalysis has traditionally been viewed as a solely psychological discipline. However recent developments in neuroscience, such as the use of neuroimaging techniques to investigate the working brain, have stimulated and intensified the dialogue between psychoanalysis and these related mental sciences. This book explores the relevance of these discussions for our understanding of unconscious mental processes.

Chapters present clinical case studies of unconscious dynamics, alongside theoretical and scientific papers in key areas of current debate and development. These include discussions of the differences between conceptualisations of ‘the unconscious’ in psychoanalysis and cognitive science, whether the core concepts of psychoanalysis are still plausible in light of recent findings, and how such understandings of the unconscious are still relevant to treating patients in psychotherapy today. These questions are explored by leading interdisciplinary researchers as well as practising psychoanalysts and psychotherapists.

This book aims to bridge the gap between psychoanalysis and cognitive neuroscience, to enable a better understanding of researchers’ and clinicians’ engagements with the key topic of the unconscious. It will be of key interest to researchers, academics and postgraduate students in the fields of psychoanalysis, cognitive science, neuroscience and traumatology. It will also appeal to practising psychoanalysts, psychotherapists and clinicians.

Mark Solms is Professor of Neuropsychology at the University of Cape Town, South Africa, President of the South African Psychoanalytical Association, Co-Chair of the International Neuropsychoanalysis Society and Chair of the Research Committee of the International Psychoanalytical Association.

Simon E. Arnold, Dipl.-Psych., is research associate at the Sigmund Freud Institute, Frankfurt a.M. He studied psychology, literary studies, art history and philosophy in Konstanz, Paris and Beer Sheva.

Marianne Leuzinger-Bohleber is Professor of Psychoanalysis at the University of Kassel, Germany, Head Director of the Sigmund Freud Institute, Frankfurt/Main, Germany., training analyst of the German Psychoanalytical Association (DPV) and Vice-Chair for Europe of the Research Committee of the International Psychoanalytical Association (IPA).