The Ethical Turn by Eric Severson

The Ethical Turn by Eric Severson

Levinas (1969) claims that "morality is not a branch of philosophy, but first philosophy" and if he is right about this, might ethics also serve as a first psychology? This possibility is explored by the authors in this volume who seek to bring the "ethical turn" into the world of psychoanalysis. This phenomenologically rich and socially conscious ethics has taken centre stage in a variety of academic disciplines, inspired by the work of philosophers and theologians concerned with the moral fabric of subjectivity, human relationship, and socio-political life. At the heart of this movement is a reconsideration of the other person, and the dangers created when the question of the "Other" is subsumed by grander themes.

The authors showcased here represent the exceptional work being done by both scholars and practitioners working at the crossroads between psychology and philosophy in order to rethink the foundations of their disciplines. The Ethical Turn: Otherness and subjectivity in contemporary psychoanalysis guides readers into the heart of this fresh and exciting movement and includes contributions from many leading thinkers, who provide fascinating new avenues for enriching our responses to suffering and understandings of human identity. It will be of use to psychoanalysts, professionals in psychology, postgraduate students, professors and other academics in the field.

'This exciting volume is a rich interdisciplinary collection, exploring ethics and engaging its readers in a profound dialogue between philosophy and psychoanalysis regarding human vulnerability, suffering and boundednessThe Ethical Turn features a group of prominent scholars and clinicians who represent diverse entry points and create a cutting edge, moving, and at times surprising conversation.' - Galit Atlas, Ph.D. Author, The Enigma of Desire: Sex, Longing, and Belonging in Psychoanalysis

'David Goodman and Eric Severson have produced a discussion of ethics and psychoanalysis that is both wide-ranging and deep. Such a book with its attunement to the importance and subtleties of ethical turns, with its commitment to relational thinking and to attention to the suffering other could not appear at a more crucial time in our field and in the world. Many illustrious speakers and new voices explore a wide variety of topics in regard to patients, analysts, techniques, politics, history and theory. This will be a book to read, a book to teach from and a beacon in our determination in psychoanalysis to work mindful of the ‘other’, in the world and in ourselves.' - Adrienne Harris, New York University

'David Goodman and Eric Severson, in this edited volume, have succeeded in uniquely augmenting, explicating, and providing rationale for the "ethical turn" that is transforming psychoanalytic, philosophical and theological discourse. The volume’s gaze is focused on the "Other", an "Other" who is seen as partner in the discovery of meaning through co-created passions and rationalities. The shared courage of the authors causes the volume to press into previously unrecognized or newly rediscovered vistas, rendering this interdisciplinary work of great import for those who value the quest for ethical relating in a world so needful of such inquiries.' - Marie Hoffman, Ph.D., New York University, Brookhaven Institute for Psychoanalysis and Christian Theology

David M. Goodman is the Associate Dean at the Woods College of Advancing Studies at Boston College, the Director of Psychology and the Other and a Teaching Associate at Harvard Medical School/Cambridge Hospital. He has written over a dozen articles, a book titled The Demanded Self: Levinasian Ethics and Identity in Psychology (Duquesne University Press, 2012) and has co-edited several books on the intersection of psychology and philosophy. Dr. Goodman is also a licensed clinical psychologist and has a private practice in Cambridge, MA.

Eric R. Severson is a philosopher specializing in the work of Emmanuel Levinas. He is author of the books Levinas's Philosophy of Time (Duquesne University Press, 2013) and Scandalous Obligation (Beacon Hill Press, 2011), and editor of several other works. He currently teaches for both Seattle University and Seattle Pacific University.