Psychoanalysis as a scientific research program

Aim – to consider some basic aspects of the development of psychoanalysis in the methodology proposed by Imre Lakatos. We outlined the constituent elements of the "solid core" that make up a psychoanalytic metapsychology; the work of the "protective layer" is shown by examples. The development of psychoanalysis and the preservation of its heuristic power have been facilitated by the transformations and discoveries that have led to the formation of the modern form of this scientific research program. Since its emergence, psychoanalysis has become a way of studying the human being outside of medicine as well. The dissemination of the ideas of psychoanalysis in philosophy, sociology, politics, anthropology, etc., involved more and more researchers in the development of theoretical constructions, critically revising the fundamental positions and giving the program a contemporary resonance. Throughout the development of psychoanalysis as a scientific research program, the reliance on therapeutic practice has been critical.