Is Psychoanalysis a Science or an Art?

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Much of the concern about whether psychoanalysis is a science or an art pertains to its respectability, perceived reality, professional status, and, of course, the question of who is qualified to practice it. While both Einstein and Feynman expressed serious doubts about the scientific status of psychoanalysis, the theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer consulted several psychoanalysts for personal concerns in London and Paris in the 1920s and participated in Siegfried Bernfeld's psychoanalytic study group in the late 1930s in San Francisco (Benveniste, 2006). While I have found no reference to Oppenheimer regarding psychoanalysis as either a science or an art, he clearly had a more positive view of the value of psychoanalysis, whether it was a science or not. In the collection of articles to follow, we will hear from a number of distinguished psychoanalysts who have strong arguments for their differing positions. Following each article, another distinguished author, or authors, will offer discussion allowing us all to witness and share in the debate. The editors of the International Journal of Controversial Discussions issue on which this book is based hope that in bringing these authors and their articles and discussions together, we will stimulate further thought and productive debate on this important and controversial topic in psychoanalysis. The editors of IJCD hope that in bringing these authors and their articles and discussions together, we will stimulate further thought and productive debate on this important and controversial topic in psychoanalysis.