Mind, Medicine and Metaphysics
The Philosophy of a Physician, :Author: William Brown, D.M. (Oxon), D.Sc. (Lond.), F.R.C.P. London, Oxford University Press, 1936. Price 7/6d. A series of fourteen essays and lectures upon medical, psychological and metaphysical topics is chosen by the author as the medium for conveying to the general reader (a) a philosophy of life and (b) the philosophy of a physician (the author). Each essay is complete in itself and several have already appeared as contributions in journals serving special groups of readers, such as The British Medical Journal and The Churchman, The main value of the compilation is that it presents in a popular form the views of an experienced physician and psychologist upon various aspects of psychological medicine, religion and international affairs.
Chapter III, for example, upon ” Psycho-analysis and Psycho-therapy” is a lecture delivered to general practitioners under the auspices of the Rritish Medical Association. The main tenets of Freud’s system and their applications in medical work are outlined ; and Dr Brown indicates certain differences between his own views and those of Freud. This is valid criticism of the theory and practice of psychoanalysis. But it is not clear how such a dissertation contributes towards the formulation of a philosophy of life or enlightens us upon the philosophy of the author.
The author touches upon philosophical matters in many places, but not always in a manner acceptable to philosophers. When he alludes to sublimation’ he declares that the redirected instinctive energy should ultimately be ” directed towards the entire universe, which is, of course, the same as what we mean by God.” ” God is met with in the physical world ?the physical universe is God as He manifests Himself outwardly?and inwardly in prompting and tendencies of all kinds; and therefore we know? we need not bemuse ourselves with sophisticated arguments?we knozv that idealism is the true theory of the universe.” Of course Dr Brown knows this, but it may not be self-evident to his readers.
The psychological accompaniments of international relations are discussed in broad terms. While giving due weight to primitive aggressive impulses, the author, very rightly, draws attention to the equally fundamental desire for love and fellowship. Aggressivity in individuals is often secondary to the denial of parental love. The same holds good between nations?there is more wish to be an ally than to be an enemy. He goes on to make a plea (as he has done so well elsewhere) for moral disarmament which must precede material disarmament.
Dr Brown believes that religion is the most important branch of all human activity and experience. But he points out that to bring in “the religious factor” into analysis may be dangerous and may emphasise rather than diminish repressions. The “so-called Oxford Group Movement” is “psychologically considered” in a sympathetic and eminently sane manner; and its inadequacies are indicated.
Mental analysis is stated to have an ethical value. ” Everyone,” we read, “is the better for being analysed.” Dr Brown has himself been analysed for ninety-two hours?”as a scientific experiment.” He mentions, twice, that Freud was never analysed. This statement is often made, but it is inaccurate. Freud may not have been fully analysed, but he did submit himself to analysis at the hands of one of his colleagues round about the year 1909. The book ends with an appendix upon Psychology at Oxford; and a further appendix embodying the author’s views, as contributed to The Times, upon War and Peace. E. A. Bennet.
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