Adam Phillips, "On Getting The Life You Want: Psychoanalysis With Pragmatism"

This lecture explores the compatibility between psychoanalysis and American pragmatism, arguing that while Freudian psychoanalysis emphasizes confronting unconscious conflicts and instincts to understand human nature, Richard Rorty's pragmatism focuses on using language creatively to pursue personal fulfillment. The key insight is that these approaches can complement each other: psychoanalysis provides depth and understanding of unconscious processes, while pragmatism offers practical guidance for action and self-determination. Together, they help individuals navigate the complexities of human desire and fulfillment by combining Freud's exploration of the unconscious with Rorty's emphasis on conversation, vocabulary, and the pursuit of what one wants.