This is so damn wonderfully articulated. I myself often retreat into arcane metaphysics or whatever bullshit topic the less public-facing branches of philosophy have to offer that catches my interest on any given week when I’m just not in the mood for writing or talking about something with emotional baggage that’s likely to stifle any discussion I’m attempting to have.
I know that some debate over, say, Kantian constructivism is likely to lead to plenty of disagreement, but at least it won’t invoke the kind of uncharitability and chest pumping one is certain to encounter in arguing about religion or abortion. Sometimes you just wanna have a good chat without having to deal with people emotionally committed to their views. Always thankful that philosophy has no shortage of topics no one really gives a shit about. Sometimes a boring conversation is exactly what I want.
The way you framed this was wonderful and gave me a much better grasp of what Freud’s project is all about. So thank you!
