Internal Objects

Internal objects are non-existent objects or psychological constructions at which human beings often direct their emotions and feelings and which they tend to project onto other creatures or things. I suggest that internal objects are no less metaphysically legitimate than other kinds of non-concrete objects, such as abstract or fictional objects. In this paper I present internal objects as a kind and show how it is possible to grasp the 'logic of the unconscious' that lies behind our projective identifications. I also explore the character of subjective ontologies created by existential assumptions made by the unconscious regarding internal objects. Finally, I consider the role of projective identifications in the motivation of seemingly irrational actions.

Andriy Vasylchenko