Science as we know it today, and the study and implementation of psychoanalytic technique, are two different entities (remembering that science is still a social construction here). The two are not entirely incompatible, but one side or the other may at times be better suited to address any particular issue, depending on your preference of view and the object of study. Let me make clear that I began my studies of the human mind, even prior to entering undergraduate school, in psychoanalysis. Once I entered into undergrad, I was made into a nice 'scientist practioner'. I disowned psychoanalytic theory entirely. But in graduate school, and beyond, I find myself more and more drawn toward questions that no one but contemporary (i.e. relational) psychoanalysts are exploring - ideas that are not even considered according to the 'science' model, because they fall outside of the scope of 'scientific investigation'. I do not consider myself an extremist in one or the other, and see the necessity in both philosophy and empiricism, and at the same time, I do think that polarized viewers miss the points and contributions of the other. It makes sense to me why academia has shifted more toward empiricism, but at least for me it feels that something is definitely lacking. Not that what we have in academia and the scientific method is bad; not at all. It just doesn't cover the entire terrain, you have to admit. But why has it become the only method? And not just one of many? Of course, part of the answer to that is political. Psychoanalysis gets too hard of a bad rep, and could have a more meaningful place in academia. For some reason, I believe that one day it will. Just not sure when.