Freud's Mass Psychology - (Renewing Philosophy) by C Surprenant (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Freud's Mass Psychology examines one of the key concepts in the theory of the psyche. Surprenant treats it as an epistemological issue rather than exclusively as a socio-political issue. Focusing on this neglected concept enables the author to raise anew the question of the 'application' of psychoanalysis, beyond a mechanistic understanding of this term and of Freud's writings. This study brings together important topics associated with psychoanalysis, recent French philosophy, and political thought. The original arguments that it develops should interest anyone preoccupied with the relevance of psychoanalytic concepts in philosophy and in related disciplines, notably in the field of literary studies.

Review Quotes

'It is very rare for a writer on Freud to offer readers a whole new way of thinking about the language of psychoanalysis, but this is exactly what Céline Surprenant does in this remarkable volume. Taking Freud's neglected work on 'mass psychology' as her starting point, she explores with precision and audacity the astonishing concept-creating powers of the Freudian theoretical style.' - Professor Malcolm M. Bowie, Christ's College, University of Cambridge, UK

'An impressive accomplishment...By attending to the role of the neglected

concept of the 'mass', the author opens a novel and welcome perspective

onto the dynamics of Freudian psychoanalysis.' - Professor Daniel Conway, Department of Philosophy, Pennsylvania State University

About the Author

CÉLINE SURPRENANT is a Lecturer in the School of European Studies at the University of Sussex.