Psycho-Analysis and Social Psychology

From the Preface: ‘In these few lectures delivered in the University of London (May 1935) I have returned to the always interesting, but generally quite futile, task of criticizing the teachings of Professor Sigmund Freud and his school. On the present occasion my criticisms are made with ruthless frankness, in accordance with the policy I have recently adopted. I have realized too late that I might have done more for my chosen science, had I from the first spoken with a less modest voice.’ Originally published in 1936, two years before the author’s death, this title is a critique of the teachings of Freud and his school from a social psychology standpoint. It has several appendices which include the examining of ‘Totem and Taboo’ and the Oedipus complex.

Preface. 1. An Estimate of Progress and Prospects 2. Various Psycho-analytic Excursions into the Field of Social Psychology 3. Freud’s Excursions into Social Psychology and the Consequent Progress of the Psychoanalytic Theory of Human Nature. Appendices: 1. An Examination of Freud’s ‘Totem and Taboo 2. Professor Freud’s Group Psychology and his Theory of Suggestion 3. A Great Advance of the Freudian Psychology 4. The Oedipus Complex. An Attempt to Estimate its Role and Importance 5. Some Social Effects of the Freudian Teachings. Index.

McDougall, William