A misinterpreted psychoanalyst: Herbert Silberer and his theory of symbol‐formation
Júlia Gyimesi
Journal of the History of the Behavioral Sciences October 18, 2023 DOI: 10.1002/jhbs.22289 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Historical analysis Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Citations | 2 |
| Key points | Argues that Herbert Silberer was an innovative psychoanalyst who combined rationalistic psychoanalytic interpretation with nonreductive approaches to mystical experience and influenced his contemporaries. Contends that his suicide is often emphasized over his innovations and, based on private-life materials, was likely not triggered by Freud's criticism alone but may also have involved family affairs, his relationship with his father, and financial and professional struggles. Proposes that Silberer's oeuvre deserves greater attention on its own merit. |
Abstract
The primary aim of this article is to give a more detailed exposition of the cultural, personal, and theoretical contexts in which the Viennese psychoanalyst, Herbert Silberer's theories were born. When assessing the broader picture that this approach offers, it can be concluded that Silberer was an innovative thinker who inspired several of his contemporaries. Recognized in many respects by the society and scholars of this time, he represented quite a different viewpoint that was significantly influenced by several forms of Western esoteric thinking. Yet his main aim was to contribute to the field of psychoanalysis and develop a theory in which rationalistic psychoanalytic interpretations were combined with nonreductive approaches to mystical experiences. Silberer's name is frequently mentioned in a specific context in which his tragic suicide is emphasized rather than his innovations. Upon evaluating the materials recording Silberer's private life, it seems very likely that his suicide was not triggered by the criticism of Freud alone. Silberer's family affairs, his relationship with his father, and his financial and professional struggles could have all contributed to his tragic decision. This paper contends that Silberer's oeuvre deserves greater attention and must be evaluated based upon its own merit.