This book seeks to bring into dialogue perspectives on the idea of the Other from various subdisciplines within psychology along with related disciplines through constructive critical exchange. At its heart is the attempt to use the language of the Other as a vehicle for rethinking aspects of psychological processes. This book is both “translational” and a challenge to create new theories and practices that are more ethically attuned to the dynamics realities of psychological functioning. This book poses such questions as, How can the idea of the Other serve as a vehicle for exploring—and reco ... More

This book seeks to bring into dialogue perspectives on the idea of the Other from various subdisciplines within psychology along with related disciplines through constructive critical exchange. At its heart is the attempt to use the language of the Other as a vehicle for rethinking aspects of psychological processes. This book is both “translational” and a challenge to create new theories and practices that are more ethically attuned to the dynamics realities of psychological functioning. This book poses such questions as, How can the idea of the Other serve as a vehicle for exploring—and reconceptualizing—classic psychological and philosophical issues, ranging from identity and purpose to human frailty and suffering? In what ways can the idea of the Other serve to reorient inquiry toward aspects of the human condition? How do psychology, philosophy, theology, and religious studies speak about the challenges we face in encountering the Other? How might we think about our possible yearning for, and love of, the Other and how does this relate to the therapeutic process? The book is organized into three sections. The first deals with foundational philosophical concerns and serves as an introduction to the project of “thinking Otherwise.” The second section seeks to bring these fundamental philosophical concerns to bear on the therapeutic situation, especially in the realm of relational psychoanalysis. The third section of the book looks toward concrete psychological situations in which the Other figures prominently and where the power of thinking Otherwise is most visibly demonstrated.