Citation

Mayer EE. J. Abnorm. Psychol. (1906) 1911; 6(4): 249-264.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1911, American Psychopathological Association, Publisher Gorham Press)

DOI

10.1037/h0072708

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Suggests the use of philosophic methods as supplements to psychoanalytic methods. Stresses the need for psychoanalysts to make themselves the first object of their investigation, and in the process find evidence of important reasonings which underlie the conflicts of childish instincts and modify these conflicts at each moment. Discusses the principle of conservation of energy from a philosophical perspective. Evolution is expressed as a circular process and the concept of psyche generatix is dealt with. It is not possible to make a complete study of patients' mental lives without thorough training in philosophical methods as well as scientific research, and some recognition of the moral, social and intellectual conclusions. Emphasizes the need for psychoanalysts to feel sympathetic and appreciative towards even the crudest, subconscious or unconscious, leanings of patients in the direction of the truths held important and philosophically sound. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)