Unconscious phantasy as a subject of scientific discussion in the British Psychoanalytic Society in the years 1943-1944

The concept of unconscious phantasy is one of the most important in psychoanalytic theory. Not surprisingly then, it was an important subject of debate during the Scientific Discussion (1943-1944) during the conflict in the British Psychoanalytic Society (1941-45). The aim of this article is to present two areas of the scientific discussion. First, the differences in Freud’s and Klein’s definitions of unconscious phantasy. Second, the differences in views about early development that underlie differences in definitions of unconscious phantasy. It will be argued that the latter problem was the actual subject of scientific debate.

Autorka prezentuje definicje nieświadomej fantazji z perspektywy Zygmunta Freuda oraz Melanii Klein. Wskazuje, jak różnice w rozumieniu wczesnych etapów rozwoju i fantazji dziecka wpłynęły na wyodrębnienie się teorii relacji z obiektem.