Considerations on the sources of Freud's theory: Psychoanalysis and the talmudic way of thinking

This article aims to situate psychoanalysis in relation to its possible sources related to Judaism by Sigmund Freud. For this one, which defined himself as a Jew, withdrew the religious practice of his fathers, has nevertheless always claimed his identity that placed him, as he liked to say, in the minority of the opposition which he drew energy for creativity. The Talmud, which represents the oral tradition of biblical exegesis, has its own rules of interpretation that we have attempted to compare some aspects of psychoanalytic technique. The free association of speech characterized by a certain diffluence represents a first attachment point. Like psychoanalysis, it closely links theory and practice, one enriching the other of its mutual contributions. Freud, when he speaks of tradition passed, or survival of memory traces in the archaic heredity makes the link between individual and collective psychology, and with anthropology. The therapeutic relationship based on the transference, as the relationship of students to their master, or Hasidim to their Rabbi, is based on an expectant faith that represents the basis of any self-reflection for the purpose of improvement. The talmudic spirit refers to a religious faith, while psychoanalysis is based on the discovery of unconscious thought patterns. However, it is noteworthy that Freud himself could not prevent the formation of his creation in the many chapels finally approaching in many respects concerns constituting the basis of religious belief, namely the welfare of human being and knowing one's most intimate psychic functioning. (C) 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.