One and other: Ferenczi and the epistemology

Abstract

This article aims to investigate the manner in which Ferenczi reflected upon some epistemological questions throughout his works in order to produce the figure of "utraquism". This concept will lend itself, in his thinking, to establish a method of dialog between psychoanalysis and knowledge areas unrelated to it - noticeably biology - in order to promote the growth of the psychoanalytical theoretical field. This expansion will favor the creation of new concepts and, therefore, the enrichment of insights about the ways of clinical practice. Accordingly, utraquism embodies Ferenczi's epistemological stance, which was the refusal to rigidly ally to either idealism or materialism - philosophical streams he considers human's two fundamental attitudes regarding knowledge.