On the need for openness to the humanities in psychoanalysis

This paper argues that psychoanalysis should open itself more to dialogue with the humanities. It shows why this is the case and analyzes the forces that go against such openness. It explores the affinities of psychoanalysis and the humanities and their common interests. It begins by addressing the direct contributions of specific research in the humanities on psychoanalysis. It then looks at the more general benefits possible were there improved dialogue with the humanities and, finally, at psychoanalysis' affinity with a specific part of the humanities, namely, its critical ethos.