[Self-recognition in the mirror of another? On the significance of cognitive neuroscience for psychoanalysis]

Abstract

Current concepts in cognitive neuroscience are presented: neuroimaging, connectionism, models for visual perception and memory. Encountering a convergence of certain concepts like the one for memory between cognitive neuroscience and psychoanalysis makes it necessary to compare the framework assumptions underlying these concepts in each discipline. As it turns out, only a change away from the traditional functionalist framework to a modern, externalist form of non-reductionism makes it possible to use the theoretical convergences in a coherent manner. Conceptual consequences of this change in framework assumptions are discussed, particularly for the role of (neuronal) causes versus reasons in the explanation of behaviour within a broadly psychoanalytic context.