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Sublimation: Inquiries into Theoretical Psychoanalysis
In psychoanalytic theory, sublimation―the process of expressing instinctual impulses in constructive, socially acceptable forms―is a central, yet poorly understood psychic process. The eminent psychoanalyst Hans W. Loewald here offers a provocative new examination of sublimation.
After reviewing the writings of Freud, Fenichel, Hartmann, Winnicott, and Kris on sublimation, Dr. Loewald presents his own ideas. In his attempt to disentangle sublimation from other concepts with which it is often confused, he examines it within three as reconciliation, as defense, and as symbolic expression. He establishes a strong case for the undifferentiated quality of early life―a time of unselfconscious unity prior to awareness of self or other. Sublimation, according to Dr. Loewald, is an act of instinctual expression derived from this early pre-differentiated period.
Dr. Loewald’s inquiry leads to a reexamination and revision of basic psychoanalytic theory relating to instincts, symbolism, motivation, ego development, and various emotional processes.
“This is a new and highly thought-provoking approach to an understanding of the phenomena of sublimation.”―A. Scott Dowling, M.D., Case Western Reserve University
“This book is not only a profound consideration of the nature of sublimation―a subject of excruciating importance for humans―it is a summarizing statement encompassing the whole work of a great psychoanalyst.”―Vann Spruiell, M.D., Tulane University
After reviewing the writings of Freud, Fenichel, Hartmann, Winnicott, and Kris on sublimation, Dr. Loewald presents his own ideas. In his attempt to disentangle sublimation from other concepts with which it is often confused, he examines it within three as reconciliation, as defense, and as symbolic expression. He establishes a strong case for the undifferentiated quality of early life―a time of unselfconscious unity prior to awareness of self or other. Sublimation, according to Dr. Loewald, is an act of instinctual expression derived from this early pre-differentiated period.
Dr. Loewald’s inquiry leads to a reexamination and revision of basic psychoanalytic theory relating to instincts, symbolism, motivation, ego development, and various emotional processes.
“This is a new and highly thought-provoking approach to an understanding of the phenomena of sublimation.”―A. Scott Dowling, M.D., Case Western Reserve University
“This book is not only a profound consideration of the nature of sublimation―a subject of excruciating importance for humans―it is a summarizing statement encompassing the whole work of a great psychoanalyst.”―Vann Spruiell, M.D., Tulane University
104 pages, Paperback
First published December 28, 1988
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May 8, 2021
a great work, albeit a bit difficult to read. the way this author writes is really creative and it reminds me alot of thomas ogden. his careful observations and precise reflections on words and psychoanalytic literature are nothing but amazing. First I've read one of his articles in: essential papers on object Loss. it was a great paper too. its concern about superego and time was beautiful. in the end, the more you read, the less you know! or better say, the less you think of yourself as someone who knows!
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