Learning from Experience

Introduction

1. As the problems raised in this book are fundamental to learning they have a long history of investigation and discussion. In psycho-analytical practice, particularly with patients displaying symptoms of disorders of thought, it becomes clear that psychoanalysis has added a dimension to the problems if not to their solution.

2. This book deals with emotional experiences that are directly related both to theories of knowledge and to clinical psycho-analysis, and that in the most practical manner. The man trained in philosophical method does not usually have the analyst’s intimate experience of disturbed thought processes, and even psycho-analysts rarely undertake such cases. I have been fortunate in this respect, but lack the philosopher’s training. I have however had the advantage of having undergone an analysis first with John Rickman and then with Melanie Klein.

3. I have experience to record, but how to communicate this experience to others I am in doubt; this book explains why. For a time I thought of concentrating on analysis of trainees. I am confident that psycho-analysts are right in thinking that this is the only really effective method of passing on analytic experience that we have at present; but to limit one’s energies to this activity smacks of the esoteric cult. On the other hand, publication of a book, such as this, may seem premature. Nevertheless I believe it may be possible to give some idea of the world that is revealed by the attempt to understand our understanding. If the reader is tempted to go further the object of the book is achieved.