The Feeling Brain: Selected Papers on Neuropsychoanalysis

by Mark Solms

Neuropsychoanalysis is the fastest growing area within psychoanalysis, providing a bridge between "classic" psychoanalysis and the neurological sciences. This book provides an accessible introduction to the field through a selection of papers by one of its leading figures. It includes papers on the theoretical and philosophical foundations of neuropsychoanalysis, scientific papers on the brain mechanisms of dreaming and consciousness, the application of neuropsychoanalysis in psychiatry and neurology, and clinical case studies.

Genres: Psychology, Neuroscience, Science, Nonfiction, Psychoanalysis, Brain

242 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 29, 2015

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant collection of papers by an extremely gifted South African author, neurologist and psychoanalyst, Mark Solms. His ability to simplify the most complex concepts and make them more accessible means the reader is able to delve into the tantalising world of the brain and its many functions. Bridging neurology and psychoanalysis, Solms manages to correlate his findings in neurology with Freudian theory. Particularly interesting are his section on dreams and his paper on Korsakoff's syndrome. His initial interest in the brain stems from a family situation. This led him to at first study the brain as a neurologist, his focus primarily on patients with brain damage. Through his work, he came to realise that the brain cannot just be seen as an object of study - to understand it, it is absolutely necessary to study its manifestations in subjects through the means of psychoanalysis. His findings centre primarily on the Freudian predicate that most mental functions do not require consciousness. Neurological findings have confirmed this - so why has consciousness developed? What is its function and what does it add to the already impressive abilities of unconscious perception and cognition? Freud had already commented that consciousness is a fact of the mind 'that defies all explanation and description' a 'fact without parallel'. Solms concludes that consciousness, a product of unconscious processes, 'bestows attention on the objects of perception and cognition'. Humans pay attention to processes that affect their chances of survival and are therefore salient. Everything else is internalised and turned into mechanical. 'The purpose of conscious exteroception is to master the things that matter to us, in such a way that we no longer need to pay attention to them' (...). 'In other words we seek through consciousness to establish predictive algorithms that render consciousness redundant'. Realistic solutions to life's issues only 'require the conscious presence of the subject when they fail, when things do not go according to plan'. It is Freud's reality principle. Solms elucidates his findings in a fluid and attractive prose. He truly is someone to pay attention to, not least because of his humanist approach to the subject. Neurology/neuropsychoanalysis are progressing at a hugely fast pace. It is impossible not to be attracted to their findings and to want to know more. Psychoanalysts do so at their own peril.

[Kristupas Čeilutka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely good and interesting book. Presents the best of both worlds of neurosciences and phenomenology/psychoanalysis. The main problem is the relative lack of references which is of couese problematic only if the reader is not already aware of the current state of neuropsychology and cognitive sciences. Also it’s so highly influenced by Panksapp’s affective neuroscience that perhaps reading Panksapp is sufficient and there’s not that much new stuff here. But nonetheless, amazing, chapters 9 and 10 are absolutely terrific.

["Nico" · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 50%

Extends interesting ideas of Jaak Panksepp, but adds nothing of its own. Like a lot of 'genre-bending' literature (neurophilosophy, neurotheology, neuropsychoanalysis, etc) it feels geared for channeling undergrads and grants into niche departments and doesn't leave the reader with much to build on.

[M.V. Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mark Solms is very excited and I can see why. Neuropsychoanalysis is the true heir to classical authentic Freudian psychoanalysis. The way Freud thought is much more in tune with modern neuroscience than the more mystical endz of psychoanalysis. What he really wanted to be able to do - find brain mechanisms that match up to the internal subjective experience of being human - is tantalisingly within reach.

But only if you can expand your neuroscientific, materialist, mechanistic, reductive 'tude to encompass the richness of subjective experience in all its glory.

In other words, grasping the connection between mind and body is still an act of imagination, not science.

But this definitely brings us closer. Fascinating with a capital F.

[Sandeep Gautam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely book, and though I don't claim to understand fully the marriage of neurology (objective brain) and psychoanalysis (subjective mind), Solms does a pretty good job of explaining things. His thought process aligns with me and I could see some parallels with Indian philosophical/ religious traditions also. The fact that Jaak Panksepp is his long term collaborator and contributor to some papers in this collection is a cherry on the cake. Made me think seriously about Freud and psychoanalysis in a new and positive light.

[Phillip · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good introduction to the field of neuropsychoanalysis.