Observations on some aspects of current psychoanalytic theories

The competing theories in the psychoanalytic marketplace today should be ju dged on their merits, not on the basis of the authority of whoever first pr oposed them. What is valid in each theory should be included in any formula tion of a psychoanalytic theory of mental development and functioning: Sinc e psychoanalysis, as part of psychology, is a branch of natural science, pl uralism in theory is to be avoided in psychoanalysis as in every branch of science. The psychoanalytic method is a valid one Of Studying a particular aspect of brain functioning. The method and the theories based upon it are as "organic" as is the case with any of the other neurosciences. Any valid psychoanalytic theory of mental functioning and development should include the following conclusions: (1) Unconscious mental processes are omnipresent and of great importance in mental functioning; (2) Thoughts are as causall y related to one another as are other events in the universe; (3) Mental fu nctioning is a developmental phenomenon with describable, sequential featur es; and (4) A major rob in mental functioning and development is played by conflicts over the sexual and aggressive wishes that characterize mental li fe during the period from three to six years of age, and by the compromise formations that result from those conflicts. The last of these conclusions, though disputed by many, is abundantly suppo rted by evidence that is not dependent on the use of the psychoanalytic met hod, as well as by evidence furnished by the use of the psychoanalytic,tic method. There is also much evidence to support the assertion that any psych oanalytic theory that attributes language-dependent thoughts to a child who se brain is not yet mature enough to be capable of language is to be consid ered invalid, as are any observations made by the psychoanalytic method (= clinical observations) that are influenced by such art invalid theory. In p sychoanalysis, as in every other branch of science, an observer-no matter h ow astute and how experienced-who subscribes to an invalid theory will be l ed astray by that theory, sooner or later; in one way or another.