From Depth Psychology to Deep Ecology: Scepticism and Psychoanalysis in Arne Næss’s Thinking

This paper examines how Arne Næss's engagement with psychoanalysis shaped his 'philosophy of life' or 'ecosophy'. It identifies three intersections: his exploration of philosophical scepticism as a psychotherapeutic tool, his critical view of psychoanalysis's scientific status, and his interest in a 'Spinozistic psychoanalysis'. While Næss valued certain psychoanalytic ideas, he placed them within a broader, pluralistic philosophical framework, challenging absolutist epistemological claims. The paper also considers how Næss's emphasis on scepticism as a philosophical and therapeutic stance contributes to psychoanalytic theory.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This paper examines Næss’s personal and intellectual engagement with psychoanalysis to illuminate its role in shaping his ‘philosophy of life’ or ‘ecosophy’. It locates three key areas where Næss’s reflections intersect with psychoanalytic thought: (1) his exploration of the psychotherapeutic potential of philosophical scepticism; (2) his critical stance on the scientific status of psychoanalysis; (3) his developing interest in the idea of a ‘Spinozistic psychoanalysis’. These focal points reveal a consistent theme: while Næss acknowledged certain aspects of psychoanalysis as valuable, he situated them within a broader, pluralistic philosophical framework, thereby challenging some of its more absolutist epistemological claims. In addition to tracing the presence of psychoanalytic ideas in Næss’s thinking, the paper considers how his perspective contributes to psychoanalytic theory, particularly through his emphasis on scepticism as a philosophical and therapeutic stance.