Sehrii Gryshkan
Bergische Universität Wuppertal
Sergej.grischkan@googlemail.com
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Abstract: There is a controversial question in psychology in general and in psychoanalysis in particular concerning the definition of what is a psychic norm. This article aims to make a contribution to this discussion. The thesis of the article could be formulated in the following way: The psychic norm in Freud’s works corresponds to dialectic-speculative processes whereas the pathological, although it is also dialectic in its essence, does not reach a speculative level. I support this thesis in the following way: (1) Firstly, I briefly summarize what Hegel means by positive-rational or speculative thinking, whereby I refer mostly to the corresponding section of his Encyclopaedia of Philosophical Sciences. (2) Subsequently, I distinguish, on the basis of the preceding chapter, between three types of concepts: the abstract, the dialectical and the speculative one. Further, I use these terms to show (3) how the normal outcome of the Oedipus complex and (4) sublimation as a desirable drive destiny have a speculative character, and subsequently that (5) psychoanalytic psychotherapy itself seeks for a speculative resolution of conflicts. At the end (6) I summarize the results obtained and (7) discuss the difference between Freud’s and Hegel’s metaphysical points of view in spite of the demonstrated similarities concerning their understanding of the logical.
Keywords: Dialectics; Freud; Hegel; Psychic Norm; Psychoanalysis.