Psychoanalysis and the New Rhetoric: Freud, Burke, Lacan, and Philosophy’s Other Scenes

Psychoanalysis and the New Rhetoric: Freud, Burke, Lacan, and Philosophy’s Other Scenes is an innovative work that posits the fields of psychoanalysis and rhetoric into reciprocal dialogue. It explores the rhetoric of psychoanalysis and the psychoanalytic aspects of rhetoric, and discusses what could be termed as the missed encounter .

This thoroughly researched text takes a closer look at the concept of missed encounter , thereby filling a gap in the literature of psychoanalytic theories of speech and discourse. The authors examine rhetorical practice in psychoanalytic terms whilst also examining the rhetorical implications of psychoanalytic clinical practice. The chapters revisit classical analytic concepts through the framework of their rhetorical dimensions, including notions of transference, defence, parapraxis, negation, resistance, dreamwork, and the signifier. It further offers a more comprehensive discussion of Lacan in relation to the philosopher Kenneth Burke, exemplifying the strong interdisciplinary links between psychoanalytic and rhetorical concepts. This book serves as an invaluable text for gaining more cognisance of the fields of psychoanalysis and rhetoric.

Psychoanalysis and the New Rhetoric will be of great interest to psychoanalysts in practice and in training, and scholars of psychoanalytic studies, Lacan, rhetoric, English and communication studies.