Frederick Crews, "Freud: The Making of an Illusion" (Picador, 2018)
New Books in Critical Theory
Deep Dive
Why did Frederick Crews decide to return to writing about Freud after 27 years?
Frederick Crews returned to writing about Freud after 27 years because a friend in Holland, Han Israels, asked him to help adapt a book about Freud. Crews got excited about the project and continued working on it, even after his friend backed out.
Why did Crews focus on Freud's engagement letters to Martha Bernays in his research?
Crews focused on Freud's engagement letters to Martha Bernays because they provided a wealth of information not previously available to the public. These letters, released in 2000, offered a different and more revealing picture of Freud's personality and early life.
Why does Crews argue that the standard Freud legend is a 'complete fable'?
Crews argues that the standard Freud legend is a 'complete fable' because it portrays Freud as a rigorous scientist facing uniform opposition, which is contradicted by historical facts. The legend, created by Freud himself, omits his opportunistic and controversial actions, such as his involvement with cocaine.
Why did Crews stop his narrative of Freud's life at 1905?
Crews stopped his narrative of Freud's life at 1905 to focus on the formative years that led to the development of psychoanalysis. He wanted to understand how a conventional young man became a self-proclaimed world-shaking scientist, rather than analyzing his later fame.
Why does Crews emphasize the importance of an 'empirical attitude' in testing ideas?
Crews emphasizes the importance of an 'empirical attitude' in testing ideas because it ensures that hypotheses are rigorously evaluated against alternatives, leading to the abandonment of incorrect theories. This approach is essential for scientific progress and distinguishes it from the self-validating nature of psychotherapy.
Why does Crews criticize the field of neuropsychoanalysis?
Crews criticizes neuropsychoanalysis because it seeks to find points of convergence between psychoanalysis and neuroscience, rather than conducting rigorous, independent testing. This approach is seen as a cosmetic addition to psychoanalytic lore and does not align with the scientific method.
Why does Crews reject the idea of a 'sunnier model of the psyche'?
Crews rejects the idea of a 'sunnier model of the psyche' because he prioritizes truth and factual accuracy over positivity. He believes that any model of the mind should be based on empirical evidence rather than a desire for a more optimistic view.
What does Crews suggest should happen to psychoanalysis if it is recognized as a pseudoscience?
Crews suggests that if psychoanalysis is recognized as a pseudoscience, it should gradually accommodate itself to common sense and empirical evidence. However, he does not prescribe a specific course of action and leaves it to psychoanalysts to decide their own future.
Why did Crews initially become a Freudian and later reject Freudian theory?
Crews initially became a Freudian in the 1960s because it was fashionable among literary intellectuals. He later rejected Freudian theory after encountering significant criticisms and realizing that many of its concepts were not empirically testable.
What is Crews' current project, and why is it important to him?
Crews' current project is to help get an innocent man out of prison. He believes that the man was wrongly convicted based on flawed ideas and is working to prove his innocence. This project is important to him because it aligns with his commitment to justice and truth.
- Revisiting Freud's work after 27 years
- Discovery of Freud's engagement letters to Martha Bernays
- Letters provide a different picture of Freud than previously known
Shownotes Transcript