'pbJean Laplanche is the author of an original psychanalytic theory that differs from the main contemporary postfreudians. The book examines the rationalist basis of Jean Laplanche’s work, as it is embodied in the definition of sexuality in psychanalysis, the delimitation of the subject of his study and the refusal of burgeoning. This rationalism led Laplanche to challenge the role traditionally attributed to the large psychanalysis complexes, while also questioning relational patterns. The definition of rationalism proposed in the book is based on a political and philosophical approach and is described in the book as a barrier to the various forms of obscurantism on which totalitarianism is fed. Rationalism involves a relationship to both theory and reality underpinned by a requirement of truth and is therefore a criterion for assessing a theory. The rationalism of Jean Laplanche’s theory supports the aim of empowering psychanalysis and makes it possible to redefine its specific contribution to understanding human conduct, thus clarifying its complementary relationship with other disciplines.’/PB