This article explores Fyodor Dostoevsky’s literary and philosophical contributions through a deconstructive lens, guided by the thought of Jacques Derrida. The aim is not to superimpose Derrida upon Dostoevsky as if one were merely a tool to decode the other, but rather to explore the dialogic potential of their proximity, where the one haunts, and is haunted by, the other.
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The lifelong relationship between neurologist Oliver Sacks and psychoanalyst Leonard Shengold bridged the fields of neurology and psychoanalysis, blending Sacks’ focus on neurological disorders with Shengold’s exploration of trauma. Their five-decade-long therapeutic bond profoundly shaped Sacks’ work, emphasizing the interplay between identity, resilience, and human experience, and illustrating the value of interdisciplinary collaboration in understanding the mind.
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R.D. Laing’s Knots explores the intricate and paradoxical patterns of human relationships and thought through poetic vignettes. Highlighting the self-reinforcing nature of psychological struggles, Laing illustrates how these “knots” entangle us, often preventing growth and understanding. Rooted in existential psychology, the work subtly invokes the concept of metanoia, suggesting that true transformation arises from acknowledging and embracing these paradoxes.
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Leonard Shengold’s Soul Murder: The Effects of Childhood Abuse and Deprivation examines the profound psychological damage caused by childhood abuse and neglect, using psychoanalytic theory to explore how trauma disrupts development, fosters dissociation, and impairs adult relationships. Through clinical case studies, the book highlights the enduring effects of “soul murder” while advocating for greater awareness and compassion.
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