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This course examines the relationship between philosophy and psychoanalysis, beginning with key philosophical precursors in German Idealism and Friedrich Nietzsche, whose accounts of subjectivity anticipate the Freudian unconscious. It then introduces the foundations of psychoanalysis in the work of Sigmund Freud, focusing on concepts such as repression, the unconscious, and the dynamics of desire. The course goes on to explore major philosophical engagements with psychoanalysis, Theodor W. Adorno’s critical social theory, Fanon’s development of sociogenesis, and Michel Foucault’s critique of psychoanalytic discourse. We also consider feminist and postcolonial interventions.
The central question throughout is how psychoanalysis transforms philosophical understandings of subjectivity, reason, and social life.
What will we cover?
Philosophical precursors to psychoanalysis: German Idealism, Friedrich Nietzsche, and theories of subjectivity and self-division
Foundations of psychoanalysis in Sigmund Freud: the unconscious, repression, sexuality, and dream interpretation
Psychoanalysis and critical theory: Theodor W. Adorno and the Frankfurt School
Critiques of psychoanalysis: Michel Foucault and power/knowledge
Feminist and postcolonia/decolonial engagements with psychoanalysis
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Demonstrate a clear understanding of key concepts in psychoanalysis, particularly in the work of Sigmund Freud
- Explain the philosophical significance of psychoanalysis and its roots in traditions such as German Idealism and the thought of Friedrich Nietzsche
- Critically analyse major philosophical engagements with psychoanalysis, including those of Theodor W. Adorno and Michel Foucault
- Assess key critiques of psychoanalysis from feminist and postcolonial perspectives
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course requires no previous knowledge. An open mind a a willingness to listen to and think about ideas with which you may not always agree, are more important than specific levels of skill.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Weekly readings will be provided that will form the basis of discussion.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are no other costs. Please do bring a pen and paper.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You may be interested in the following courses, taught online by the same tutor in January 2027:
HP251 Philosophy and colonialism HP242 Philosophy reading group: Adorno's Minima Moralia HP255 History of ideas: philosophy and the concept of globalisation
Jessica is a postdoctoral researcher in philosophy. She has previously taught courses at Richmond and Hillcroft Adult Education College and at Kingston University on topics such as philosophy and art, feminist theory, German critical theory and Hegel. Her primary interests are in critical theory, Marxism, postcolonial and decolonial thought, feminist theory and the interrelations between philosophy, sociology and historiography. She completed her PhD on the concept of history in the philosophy of Theodor W. Adorno. Prior to this, Jessica undertook an MPhil Stud at University College London. She was recently a visiting postdoctoral research fellow at the Centre for Social Critique at the Humboldt University in Berlin. Her current research focuses on theorisations of ‘globalisation’ and their relation to concepts of ‘society’ and ‘totality’ within both philosophy and sociology.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/philosophy-and-psychoanalysis135927Philosophy and psychoanalysishttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/f/r/freud_2048.jpg239239GBPInStock/Courses/vm/Wellbeing at City Lit/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Philosophy, religion, & ideas/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Philosophy, religion, & ideas/Philosophy1746228511771404157912285165311771404<p>This course examines the complex relation that holds between psychoanalysis and philosophy.</p> Are human beings rational or irrational creatures? Can we be unconscious of some of our own beliefs, desires and intentions? Is there a scientific explanation of human suffering? This course compares philosophical and psychoanalytic answers to these questions.64.53062119Philosophy and psychoanalysis239239https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/pre-socratic-philosophers-HP125-1024.jpgInStockEveningWedKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-10-21T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allOct 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHP300239239Philosophy and psychoanalysis239155239Jessica Feelyphilosophy-and-psychoanalysis/hp300-2627<p>This course examines the complex relation that holds between psychoanalysis and philosophy.</p>0000-Available|2026-10-21 00:00:00<p>This course examines the relationship between philosophy and psychoanalysis, beginning with key philosophical precursors in German Idealism and Friedrich Nietzsche, whose accounts of subjectivity anticipate the Freudian unconscious. It then introduces the foundations of psychoanalysis in the work of Sigmund Freud, focusing on concepts such as repression, the unconscious, and the dynamics of desire. The course goes on to explore major philosophical engagements with psychoanalysis, Theodor W. Adorno’s critical social theory, Fanon’s development of sociogenesis, and Michel Foucault’s critique of psychoanalytic discourse. We also consider feminist and postcolonial interventions.</p><p>The central question throughout is how psychoanalysis transforms philosophical understandings of subjectivity, reason, and social life.</p><p>This course examines the complex relation that holds between psychoanalysis and philosophy.</p><ul><li>Philosophical precursors to psychoanalysis: German Idealism, Friedrich Nietzsche, and theories of subjectivity and self-division </li><li>Foundations of psychoanalysis in Sigmund Freud: the unconscious, repression, sexuality, and dream interpretation </li><li> Psychoanalysis and critical theory: Theodor W. Adorno and the Frankfurt School </li><li>Critiques of psychoanalysis: Michel Foucault and power/knowledge </li><li> Feminist and postcolonia/decolonial engagements with psychoanalysis </li></ul><p>- Demonstrate a clear understanding of key concepts in psychoanalysis, particularly in the work of Sigmund Freud </p><p>- Explain the philosophical significance of psychoanalysis and its roots in traditions such as German Idealism and the thought of Friedrich Nietzsche </p><p>- Critically analyse major philosophical engagements with psychoanalysis, including those of Theodor W. Adorno and Michel Foucault </p><p>- Assess key critiques of psychoanalysis from feminist and postcolonial perspectives </p><p>This course requires no previous knowledge. An open mind a a willingness to listen to and think about ideas with which you may not always agree, are more important than specific levels of skill.</p><p>Weekly readings will be provided that will form the basis of discussion.</p><p> </p><p>There are no other costs. Please do bring a pen and paper.</p><p>You may be interested in the following courses, taught online by the same tutor in January 2027:</p><p>HP251 Philosophy and colonialism<br>HP242 Philosophy reading group: Adorno's Minima Moralia<br>HP255 History of ideas: philosophy and the concept of globalisation<br> </p><p> </p>Philosophy, religion, & ideasPhilosophyvirtual239239155HP300NONEWed21/10/26 - 09/12/2617:30 - 19:3017:3019:308 sessions (over 8 weeks)85-10 weeksWeekdayKSKeeley StreetJessica FeelyBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-10-21T00:00:00+00:00EveningOct 2026Culture, history & humanities239239Philosophy and psychoanalysisphilosophy-and-psychoanalysis/hp300-2627<p>This course examines the complex relation that holds between psychoanalysis and philosophy.</p>0000-Available|2026-10-21 00:00:00<p>This course examines the relationship between philosophy and psychoanalysis, beginning with key philosophical precursors in German Idealism and Friedrich Nietzsche, whose accounts of subjectivity anticipate the Freudian unconscious. It then introduces the foundations of psychoanalysis in the work of Sigmund Freud, focusing on concepts such as repression, the unconscious, and the dynamics of desire. The course goes on to explore major philosophical engagements with psychoanalysis, Theodor W. Adorno’s critical social theory, Fanon’s development of sociogenesis, and Michel Foucault’s critique of psychoanalytic discourse. We also consider feminist and postcolonial interventions.</p><p>The central question throughout is how psychoanalysis transforms philosophical understandings of subjectivity, reason, and social life.</p><p>This course examines the complex relation that holds between psychoanalysis and philosophy.</p><ul><li>Philosophical precursors to psychoanalysis: German Idealism, Friedrich Nietzsche, and theories of subjectivity and self-division </li><li>Foundations of psychoanalysis in Sigmund Freud: the unconscious, repression, sexuality, and dream interpretation </li><li> Psychoanalysis and critical theory: Theodor W. Adorno and the Frankfurt School </li><li>Critiques of psychoanalysis: Michel Foucault and power/knowledge </li><li> Feminist and postcolonia/decolonial engagements with psychoanalysis </li></ul><p>- Demonstrate a clear understanding of key concepts in psychoanalysis, particularly in the work of Sigmund Freud </p><p>- Explain the philosophical significance of psychoanalysis and its roots in traditions such as German Idealism and the thought of Friedrich Nietzsche </p><p>- Critically analyse major philosophical engagements with psychoanalysis, including those of Theodor W. Adorno and Michel Foucault </p><p>- Assess key critiques of psychoanalysis from feminist and postcolonial perspectives </p><p>This course requires no previous knowledge. An open mind a a willingness to listen to and think about ideas with which you may not always agree, are more important than specific levels of skill.</p><p>Weekly readings will be provided that will form the basis of discussion.</p><p> </p><p>There are no other costs. Please do bring a pen and paper.</p><p>You may be interested in the following courses, taught online by the same tutor in January 2027:</p><p>HP251 Philosophy and colonialism<br>HP242 Philosophy reading group: Adorno's Minima Moralia<br>HP255 History of ideas: philosophy and the concept of globalisation<br> </p><p> </p>Philosophy, religion, & ideasPhilosophyconfigurable
15791404Philosophyhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/philosophy-religion-belief/philosophy1/2/285/1177/1404/15791/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Philosophy, religion, & ideas/Philosophy
