Date: 	Tue, 24 Feb 1998 12:59:55 -0500
Subject: HAB: therapy?


On Mon, 23 Feb 1998 23:14:47 -0500  gedavis-AT-pacbell.net 
wrote:

> * *  *

> In any case, an escape from freedom can no longer be 
pursued constructively outside the modes of interpretation 
that psychoanalytics and developmental studies focus on (i.e.,
existential condition of *being* the result of a "village"'s 
failure to have given what it takes to raise its children).

Hi Gary.  I would argue, and this psychoanalysis thing seems 
to be one of the big differences between us, that freedom 
MUST be pursued beyond the limits of a therapeutic context.  
Therapy is limited, fundamentally, by the needs and desires 
of those within its' context.  A therapist simply is not free to 
say what they think - because they (might) *know* the kind of 
instability they are dealing with.  What if a person in therapy 
doesn't want to be helped?  The therapist cannot say "Well, 
that is because you love death - it is the thanatos instinct 
kicking in."  No.  This probably won't help things.  Pointing out 
someone has a death wish will not help on a one-to-one basis. 
  Therapy in a one-to-one setting is oriented by 
accommodation - not emancipation.   But the abstraction 
permited by theoretical social critique permits such 
speculation.  Social criticism *can* and *needs to* outstrip 
therapeutic contexts.  Critical thought is not oriented toward 
accommodation rather toward transformation.  Social criticism 
always has the potential to be more radical than therapy.

I suspect that you know this though and are using the term 
therapy in a broader than doctor-patient relationship (as 
Habermas does).  I figured I'd try to belabour the distinction 
anyway to see what people think, my point being that a 
critique oriented toward accommodation is too liberal and too 
status quo to be of much help in an emancipatory project 
proper.

> Besides, I don't think anyone on this list really
> cared to see my examination continue anyway, which 
was--is--okay by me. There are too few hours in the day as it 
is.

I care.  It is just that a response to one of your posts takes a 
few hours to hammer out - if it isn't just going to say "I agree." 
 The explanations that you have provided have assisted my 
thinking - but only to the extend that I have been willing to 
work at it.  This might be one reason that the discussion isn't 
really a discussion....  I figure that unless you are getting 
complaints - I would guess that many people appreciate the 
kind of engagement that you are proposing.  But then again 
maybe not.  I can only speak for myself.

ken




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