Lecturer: Farhad Dalal, a distinguished British psychotherapist and group analyst, who works with individuals, groups and organizations. He has been practicing independently for about thirty years, first in London and later in Devon. He is the author of 4 books and numerous papers on 'race' and racism, power relations, groups and ethics, of which we single out: 'Taking the Group Seriously', 'Thought Paralysis',' Race, color and the Processes of Racialization ',' The Paradox of Belonging ',' Specialists without Spirit, Sensualists without Heart ',' The Struggle to Live and Let Live ',' Forgiving the Unforgivable: Mortals, Saints & Sinners';

Abstract

I will speak up for philosophy as a deep questioning attitude as well as a form of critical thinking. I will argue that the development of this kind of attitude is not only necessary and intrinsic to the therapeutic endeavor, it is identical to it. The work is not easy because it requires great courage to work one's way towards inhabiting this kind of attitude; courage that is required not only from the ones-who-come-forhelp (patient / client), but also the one-who-tries-to-help (therapist). Amongst other things, I will speak against the ideas of psychotherapy as' treatment that seeks to 'cure' 'mental illnesses'; I will say something about my understanding of ‘Eastern’ philosophies, and contrast them with my evolving philosophy of psychotherapy. In this task I will call on a range of philosophers from Wittgenstein to Hume, Mead, Gaita, Keats, Weil, and de Beauvoir.

Moderator of the plenary discussion: Tija Despotović