Was psychoanalysis scientific?

[Boojatta]

Poll question: Was psychoanalysis scientific?

[aquart]

1. "Was"?

[gateley]

2. You took the "was?" right out of my mouth. nt

[PDJane]

3. Wasn't, isn't, and probably will never be.

Please take this as a statement from a survivor of the system.

The only thing they agree on is that I am clinically depressed and have been since about age 3.

[kristopher]

4. According to what philosphy of science?

[Boojatta]

5. According to the true philosophy of science.

If that's unacceptable, then a fallback option is: according to your philosophy of science. See what I did there?

[The Philosopher]

6. What

did you do there?

[kristopher]

7. Are you even aware that there are different ideas about what science is?

The discussion goes back pretty far and it is good to understand the differing schools of thought if you want a meaningful answer to your question.

I can promise that you'll enjoy reading on it if you haven't.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philosophy_of_science
The philosophy of science is concerned with the assumptions, foundations, methods and implications of science. It is also concerned with the use and merit of science and sometimes overlaps metaphysics and epistemology by exploring whether scientific results are actually a study of truth. In addition to these central problems of science as a whole, many philosophers of science also consider problems that apply to particular sciences (e.g. philosophy of biology or philosophy of physics). Some philosophers of science also use contemporary results in science to reach conclusions about philosophy.



http://www.philsci.org/
PSA Mission
The Philosophy of Science Association promotes research, teaching, and free discussion of issues in the philosophy of science from diverse standpoints. To this end, the PSA engages in activities such as: the publishing of periodicals, essays and monographs; sponsoring conventions and meetings; and awarding prizes for distinguished work in the field.

[Boojatta]

8. There are a variety of ideas about what the word "different" means and about what ideas are.

[tcaudilllg]

9. Yes, but flawed science.

Surprise folks, the subconscious actually exists! It's just not obsessed with -JUST- sex.