2nd International Conference of the International Winnicott Association IWA - “Winnicott – a contemporary clinic beyond borders” – Paris – 3-5 June 2017 Choice or chance? – critical practical philosophy insights from Winnicott’s persona Ângela Lacerda Nobre Angela.nobre@esce.ips.pt; lacerda.nobre@gmail.com; Escola Superior de Ciências Empresariais do Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal ESCE-IPS; Associação Portuguesa de Psicanálise e de Psicoterapia Psicanalítica APPPP Abstract There are two parts to the argument of why and how Winnicott’s work is mandatory in present circumstances, i.e. in the first decades of the twentieth-century. One is a kernel characteristic of his oeuvre. And the other one justifies the need to strengthen, to disseminate and to amplify the role of psychoanalysis in contemporary societies. This is a here and now, hic et nunc, perspective, as an effort to capture and to pin- point the essence of the essence of what psychoanalysis is about. Consequently, the rationale being followed is that psychoanalysis is mainly considered to be an anthropological and an ethnographic achievement, meaning that psychoanalysis enables and potentiates an entirely new world of possibilities regarding how humans may position themselves in face of their thoughts and feelings and of the systems of belief that are permeated by the societies in which they are immersed. Key-words: contemporary psychoanalysis; ideal persona; empowering citizens; catalysing change. 1 Introduction Contemporary psychoanalysis is a body of theory, a therapeutic practice and a life philosophy. Having emerged in the twentieth century, it is the twenty-first century that will adequately explore and develop psychoanalysis full potential. Winnicott’s body of work represents a turning point in both psychoanalytic thinking and in terms of the world views, which work as an under current that condition and determine value systems and strategic options at societal level. The present complex and turbulent times enable a discernment of the foundations of human’s existence, namely the capabilities related to language, meaning and learning. Empowering people, that is the essence of Winnicott’s message. And empowerment means self-determination, which is co-responsibility, co-resistance and co-creation. “It is possible to do the analysis of a suitable patient taking into account almost exclusively that person’s personal relation to people, along with the conscious and unconscious phantasies that enrich and complicate the relationships between whole brought to you by CORE View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk provided by Repositório Comum