Patrick Guyomard

The Tendency for Polymorphe Perverse Behaviour

It is the child that Freud predominantly identifies as “polymorphe perverse” in his Three Essays on Sexual Theory, but he recognised that it is in fact “a universally human and original trait”. Certainly, clinical experience suggests that this characteristic is not solely reserved for children. It is evident in each psychoanalytical treatment as common to all mankind. It is also found in science and in politics. If the tendency for polymorphe perverse behaviour is a “universally human trait”, everyone who has human thought patterns is affected. It is for this reason that this book gathers together reflections from psychoanalysts, clinicians specialising in both adults and children, scientists, anthropologists, and historians in order to revaluate the perversion and give a new perspective on the controversies it can trigger. Organised by the Freudian Psychoanalyst Society.