On the afternoon of May 13, the reading club The Alienists was interested in psychoanalysis, in collaboration with the Biblioteca ComVida project, held a discussion on the classical Greek tragedy King Oedipus, by Sophocles, in order to understand its resonance in psychoanalytic theory. The event brought together psychology, theology and philosophy students, allowing for an interdisciplinary discussion on topics such as destiny and freedom, human experience and inter- and intra-human conflicts.

In the first part, Professor Ana Paula Pinto, who has a PhD in Classical Literature, presented the historical and cultural context in which myth developed, thus providing a lens through which to observe today's social and political context. The plot of King Oedipus was then addressed, exploring the myth in various classical works, as well as Oedipus' relationship with other mythological characters, giving rise to a broader understanding.

The second moment, mediated by Professor Fabrizia Raguso, was characterised by a discussion of the myth, replicated in Freud's psychoanalytic theory. In this discussion, enriched by the Sophocles-Freud connection, both the framing of this myth in current psychology and the criticisms levelled at the concept of the Oedipus Complex were addressed.

The talk proved to be a good time to deepen knowledge of the Oedipal theme, giving rise to the possibility of sustained critical reflection.

This activity also makes it possible to recognise the importance of student initiatives to promote the dynamics best suited to their intellectual and personal development in an academic context.