The pyscho-analytic theories of Sigmund Freud and the schools following that tradition are probably the best known examples of psychodynamic theories. Carl Jung's analytic psychology diverged from Freud's approach. Jacque Lacan is often viewed as a re-interpretation of Freud's work with an emphasis on a particular linguistic approach. Melanie Klein's work led to what is called object relations theory in psycho-analytic circles. W.R. Bion, who is less well known, introduced new levels of abstraction when he discussed "thinking" and "thoughts" from a psycho-analytic perspective. Bion's most well known work is Experiences in Groups but he produced many other important works including Learning from Experience.
These papers are not attempts to compare or necessarily reconcile the cognitive theories of Freud, or any other psychodynamicist, with modern cognitive theories. The open-ended intention is to investigate and, if possible, re-articulate the original psychodynamic theories, concepts and forms of evidence in the light of more recent theories, evidence and speculations involving mind and cognition. The assertion is that psychodynamic theories and evidence contain valuable insights into human nature that can be supported, understood and possibly strengthened as a result of this type of investigation and analysis. The primary observation is that there is a wealth of new information, evidence and thinking about cognition and mind that was not available to the pioneers of psychodynamics. The un-testable hypothesis is that, had these individuals known what we know today in the general areas of brain and neuroscience, they might have reduced their insights to theory very differently. The working hypothesis is that current theorists and practioners, if they are so inclined, can do what the original pioneers cannot.
Towards Embodied Psychodynamic Theories of Human Nature: A Brief Exposition