The Ethics of Psychoanalysis - by Thomas Szasz (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

In the Ethics of Psychoanalysis, Thomas Szasz describes psychotherapy as a social action, not as healing. Conceived in this way, psychoanalytic treatment is characterized by its aim--to increase the patient's knowledge of themself and others and hence freedom of choice in the conduct of their life; by its method--the analysis of communications, rules, and games; and lastly, by its social context--a contractual, rather than a therapeutic, relationship between analyst and the one being analyzed. The Ethics of Psychoanalysis remains one of the most concise, precise, and lucid expositions of the nature, possibilities, and limitation of psychoanalytic treatment to be found anywhere.

From the Back Cover

In this book, I propose to describe psychotherapy as a social action, not as healing. So conceived, psychoanalytic treatment is characterized by its aim--to increase the patient's knowledge of himself and others and hence his freedom of choice in the conduct of his life; by its method--the analysis of communications, rules, and games; and lastly, by its social context--a contractual, rather than a 'therapeutic, ' relationship between analyst and analysand.

Review Quotes

An altogether admirable book--one of the most concise, precise, and lucid expositions of the nature, possibilities, and limitations of psychoanalytic treatment to be found anywhere . . . A lucid defense of the essence of psychoanalysis against moralistic and conformistic misuse.-- "Ernest van den Haag, National Review"

Dr. Szasz has made, and continues to make, significant contributions not only to psychiatry but also to therapy, correction, law, and ethics.-- "Humanist"

Szasz remains essential reading for psychiatrists, their patients, and all who are inspired to 'help' others . . . he both possesses significance and inspires respect.-- "Anthony Storr, The London Sunday Times"

About the Author

Thomas Szasz is professor emeritus of psychiatry at the State University of New York Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York. His books include Law, Liberty, and Psychiatry, The Manufacture of Madness, Ideology and Insanity, Ceremonial Chemistry, The Myth of Psychotherapy, Psychiatry: The Science of Lies, and The Medicalization of Everyday Life, all published by Syracuse University Press.