Library Talk: "Negative Psychoanalysis for the Living Dead: Philosophical Pessimism and the Death Drive."

Dr. Leon Brenner and Dr. Julie Reshe on "Negative Psychoanalysis for the Living Dead: Philosophical Pessimism and  the Death Drive."

Join us at the International Psychoanalytic University Library for a captivating dialogue between Dr. Leon S. Brenner and Dr. Julie Reshe, as they delve into Reshe's groundbreaking work, "Negative Psychoanalysis for the Living Dead: Philosophical Pessimism and the Death Drive." This talk promises to shed light on a novel perspective that stands in stark contrast to the optimistic undertones of mainstream psychology and therapeutic culture.

Dr. Reshe's book emerges as a critical counterpoint to the affirming narratives that dominate contemporary psychological practices. It questions the sincerity and effectiveness of positive therapeutic approaches, which often seem disconnected from the grim realities of existence. This book is an invitation to those who perceive the positivity of modern psychology as a dishonest evasion from life's inherent pains. Through three insightful chapters, Dr. Reshe articulates a 'depressive realist' perspective, examining the structural importance of death, negativity, and tragedy in relation to the individual psyche, societal constructs, and the natural world.

"Negative Psychoanalysis for the Living Dead" advocates for a significant paradigm shift towards a 'negative psychoanalysis' that confronts the disaster of human existence head-on, rather than seeking refuge in comforting illusions. It addresses the urgent need for a perspective that acknowledges the tragic aspects of life, suggesting that there is merit in embracing the somber realities of our existence.

This engaging session with Dr. Brenner and Dr. Reshe is essential for anyone intrigued by the depths of psychoanalytic theory and the possibility of a psychoanalysis that bravely faces, rather than avoids, the complex fabric of human life. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the realm of philosophical pessimism and the indispensable role of the death drive in our understanding of existence.

Julie Reshe is a Ukrainian-born philosopher, a practicing negative psychoanalyst, and a public intellectual. She currently holds the position of visiting professor at both University College Cork and University College Dublin.
https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-31201-4