Christian David

This article reviews the essential themes of Christian David's work. The contribution of this French psychoanalyst is deeply rooted in anti-intellectualistic convictions and a definite opposition to Lacan. His contribution to psychoanalytical theory can be seen as a full recognition of the work of affect, even in terms of representation as well as a relative lessening of the role of language. It is original in the interpretation it proposes of psychosomatic disorders, due to the role his theory gives to affect in the sublimating intention of the drive. His fundamental convictions go hand in hand with a distrust of any position that would tend to privilege a systematic and ready-made description of the diversity of psychic life. For him dream is more a function than a content and the good assessment of ‘psychic bisexuality' opposes destiny’ while being the shibboleth of true sublimation.