World within the Group

<p><em>The World within the Group</em> is an original and ambitious endeavour to connect group analysis to philosophy history and modern social theory. The book argues that group analysis needs theoretical renewal to remain relevant and that philosophy is a valuable resource for such thinking. In particular the work of three philosophers is examined: Nietzsche Dewey and Gadamer each being associated with pragmatic-perspective inquiry. The author demonstrates that group analysis is compatible with such inquiry and that we understand and intervene from within the horizon of specific traditions of training and theory. Group analysis typifies an unremitting relational stance valuing openness of dialogue and moving in and out of the perspectival worlds of the participants. The book also offers a re-formulation of the concept of social unconscious seen as a discursive world of production and articulation. Drawing on contemporary social theories it chimes with the spirit of Elias's historical approach. </p>