Regarding the contribution of Josef Breuer to the 'Studies on hysteria
Keywords:
histeria, historiales clínicos, determinismo, epistemología, transferenciaAbstract
The present paper is an introduction to the first Spanish translation ma-de from Dr. Josef Breuer’s exclusive contributions to the “Studies en Hysteria” (Breuer & Freud - 1895), in which it is being tried to situate his figure and work within the context of ideas which became the basis of psycho-analysis. Likewise, a sketching of the location of these origins is intented with emphasis
of the importance of the ideological and chronological criterion to be applied to the kind of approach and understanding sought. A superficial vision of the extremely peculiar intersection, overlapping, coincidence and juxtaposition of the XIXth Century’s lines of thought, and the difficulties arising from the fact of trying to ignore this, is offered. The different opposing currents are briefly
outlined, so is the “spirit of the time” as well as the “way of life”. Romanticism, inasmuch as it questions the nature and human mind about its secrets and ultimate truths, rushes the fast progress of psychology and psychopathology. After a short revision of Breuer’s biography, the much controverted relationship between Breuer and Freud is discussed. Some comments to the case
history of Anna O. —the relation Breuer-Anna O. in particular—, are being made. The complex meaning of the term “catharsis” and its connection with drama is being shown. Then the peculiarities of the relation are being outlined, relation which later, after several stages, will constitute the concept of transference, already known by the name of “rapport” in times of exorcism and
magnetism. The meaning of seduction within the context of human relations and its particular incidence in psychotherapy is discussed. A biography of Bertha Pappenheim and its comparison with the various “versions” of the case history of Anna O. is intended to show the lack of importance of a supposed “objective truth” of the case which has always been
presented as the germ of psyche-analysis. An auto-evaluation of his contribution to psycho-analysis, carried out by
Breuer in a letter addressed to Forel, is the last part of this introduction, preceding only the attempt to draw a division line not sufficiently observed, marking a new way of knowing, a new object of knowledge and a radical change in conception of man about himself.
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References
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