Frances Cairncross

Freudian Slip?

Freud's theories, especially about sexuality and the way we repress our innermost desires, have almost become part of our collective unconscious.

But in the light of all we now know about the human mind through neuro-science and evolutionary psychology, are Freudian theories just another kind of superstition, rather than a scientific understanding of human behaviour?

The phenomenon should not be denigrated because it is not tractable to the machinery of scientific method... Bringing in the personal element, developing dialogue and interaction is completely valid. The fact that it can't be described as scientific procedure means that it's just as valid as economics or many of the other disciplines

Prof Susan Greenfield, leading brain scientist

In "Analysis", Frances Cairncross sets out to test Freud's relevance to us today and asks how much of what he believed needs to be consigned to the historical dustbin. She asks the Freudian academic Juliet Mitchell why feminists like her have changed their mind about him; and explores with the philosopher, Roger Scruton, why he holds Freud responsible for so many of our problems with sexuality, especially among children. She also investigates how Freudian psychoanalysis compares with other therapies as a treatment for mental illness.

Producer: Zareer Masani