Freudianism

A Marxist Critique

By Valentin Voloshinov | Publisher: Verso Books

About the book

Freudianism is a major icon in the history of ideas, independently rich and suggestive today both for psychoanalysis and for theories of language. It offers critical insights whose recognition demands a change in the manner in which the fundamental principles of both psychoanalysis and linguistic theory are understood. Volosinov went to the root of Freud’s theory adn method, arguing that what is for him the central concept of psychoanalysis, “the unconscious,” was a fiction. He argued that the phenomena that were taken by Freud as evidence for “the unconscious” constituted instead an aspect of “the conscious,” albeit one with a person’s “official conscious.”

For Volosinov, “the conscious” was a monologue, a use of language, “inner speech” as he called it. As such, the conscious participated in all of the properties of language, particularly, for Volosinov, its social essence. This type of argumentation stood behind Volosinov’s charge that Freudianism presented humans in an inherently false, individualistic, asocial, and ahistorical setting.

Editions of Freudianism

Paperback
ISBN 9781781680285
EBook
ISBN 9781781680407

Read an Excerpt

Freudianism is a major icon in the history of ideas, independently rich and suggestive today both for psychoanalysis and for theories of language. It offers critical insights whose recognition demands a change in the manner in which the fundamental principles of both psychoanalysis and linguistic theory are understood. Volosinov went to the root of Freud’s theory adn method, arguing that what is for him the central concept of psychoanalysis, “the unconscious,” was a fiction. He argued that the phenomena that were taken by Freud as evidence for “the unconscious” constituted instead an aspect of “the conscious,” albeit one with a person’s “official conscious.”

For Volosinov, “the conscious” was a monologue, a use of language, “inner speech” as he called it. As such, the conscious participated in all of the properties of language, particularly, for Volosinov, its social essence. This type of argumentation stood behind Volosinov’s charge that Freudianism presented humans in an inherently false, individualistic, asocial, and ahistorical setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Freudianism about?

Freudianism is a major icon in the history of ideas, independently rich and suggestive today both for psychoanalysis and for theories of language. It offers critical insights whose recognition demands a change in the manner in which the fundamental principles of both psychoanalysis and linguistic theory are understood. Volosinov went to the root of Freud’s theory adn method, arguing that what is for him the central concept of psychoanalysis, “the unconscious,” was a fiction. He argued that the phenomena that were taken by Freud as evidence for “the unconscious” constituted instead an aspect of “the conscious,” albeit one with a person’s “official conscious.”

For Volosinov, “the conscious” was a monologue, a use of language, “inner speech” as he called it. As such, the conscious participated in all of the properties of language, particularly, for Volosinov, its social essence. This type of argumentation stood behind Volosinov’s charge that Freudianism presented humans in an inherently false, individualistic, asocial, and ahistorical setting.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Freudianism?

Philosophy and Religion > Philosophy > Topics in philosophy > Social and political philosophy

Where can I read a sample of Freudianism?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781781680285

Is Freudianism part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?

Yes it is a part of series Radical Thinkers Classics

Who is/are the Author/s of the book Freudianism?

Valentin Voloshinov

Who is the Publisher of the book Freudianism?

Verso Books

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

Freudianism is available as paperback(ISBN 9781781680285) and ebook(ISBN 9781781680407)

Where can I buy Freudianism online or support local independent bookshops?

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Where can I buy Freudianism?