Discussion of “Computer Simulation of a Model of Neurotic Defence Processes”

Abstract

The first question is whether there is any sense in designing a model for which as yet there exist no methods of measurement for assessing values of parameters and variables (anxiety, pleasure gain, cathexis, defence potentials, etc.). By this same argument, however, one can also question the whole metapsychology of psychoanalysis, which is verbally formulated, for there is no doubt that at the present time it can be tested only by the analyst’s use of estimations of variables in the setting of the cure. Directly from the observations made in the analytical situation, we have deduced a system of variables which are normalized in relation to each other and thus admit of measurement. The advantage of this procedure is that all variables and relations occurring in the system can be formulated precisely and the system can be tested for its inner consistency. The simulation is not a “real life„ simulation. Rather it is concerned with a “meta-model„ of a complex kind in which, by means of simulation, a great number of different defence processes produced by variation of the parameter values may be represented.

Report on the discussion of the preceding paper (chapt. 3.1.) at the Plenary session of the 26th International Psycho-Analytical Congress, Rome, July 1969. The authors’ introductory remarks are given below, followed by the opening and closing remarks of the moderator and the authors’ concluding remarks.