Major contributions by Freud: Existence of Irrationality Sigmund Freud Interpretation of Dreams (1856-1939) Practice of Repression Theory of Libido Ego, Id, and Superego Eros and the Death Instinct Freud examined the irrationality of humans just What causes people as the Enlightenment and to be irrational? Science were overcoming Physical: Chemical imbalances feudalism. Psychological: animalistic forces / sexual instincts / repressed wishes What does “rational” mean? Are humans basically rational Physical/Psychological: repressed or irrational? wishes that are not channeled rationally Interpretation of Dreams, Freud’s View: Freud proposed we have an --Freud was interested in dreams from unconscious. boyhood --purpose of a dream is to fullfull a wish Freud introduced psychoanalysis to study one’s --people’s lust and hate are expressed in unconscious, understand one’s dreams motivations, and heal one’s --Freud’s work was discounted by the psyche. scientific and wealthy communities who preferred to believe they had developed beyond primitive sexuality 1 Repression refers to ideas one has had that What is a “Freudian slip” are pushed into the and how might it be unconscious so that the person is unaware of related to repression? having had the thought. What would be an example? According to Freud, Repression first takes place in childhood People’s mental development moves from the at an early age the conscious and unconscious are not “Pleasure” principle separate to the “Reality” principle (primary to secondary a child freely plays with processes). orifices, genitals, feces and is socialized to repress these animalistic desires Freud described Parents as Child learns how to channel “culture’s agents” sexual desires into socially acceptable behavior Parents teach dominant social values and “correct” behaviors. Neuroses appear to be What are some behaviors unsuccessful channeling encouraged by parents that are highly valued in the American culture? 2 The Theory of Libido The Theory of Libido Freud saw human nature as According to Freud, Libido basically “asocial”. Humans are is sexual energy (or tension) social animals only by virtue of that needs to be released at the need to satisfy the ravenous least below a certain libido. minimum threshold. Is it human nature to be asocial, social, or does it depend (and if so on what)? How might the “libido” be related to social cohesion (holding society together)? Freud viewed the human psyche, as having three Freud believed it was the parts: “libidinal bond” rather than morals or Id, Ego, Superego rationality or economic interests that held society together. Id: emotional or instinctual being (pleasure principle) Comparison of Freud to Nietzsche. Ego: draws energy from the id and attempts to find a balance How might Nietzsche’s work between the Id & superego (which predates Freud) on (reality principle) the egotistical will and devious will compare to Superego: internalized social Freud’s work? values (rulers attempt to What about irrationality? take the role of the individual’s superego) 3 Eros vs Death instinct Eros: stands for sexual instincts and the perpetual Is the death instinct a desire to renew life rational explanation for Death instinct: seeks to lead wars, as Freud suggests? the living toward death (“to return from where we came”) Do you believe that humans have a death instinct? Collins states that Freud How might the following dismissed religion because statements be related to “Freud wanted to live without Freud’s work: illusions and preferred to cultivate Reason’s garden. “We can live our whole life (p.139)” in an illusion.” Is it unreasonable to believe “We are victims of our own in a higher power than past.” humans? How does Freud contribute to the understanding of society? The End • Society mirrors the superego (leaders), ego (citizens) id (repressed desires) • Social Movements 4 Freud’s biography (start at the 3 minute mark; How might Durkheim’s idea 25 minutes—fast forward through dream that: scene): anomie (social disconnection) https://libproxy.library.unt.edu:5162/video/fr eud-hidden-nature-man can result from too many rules and regulations be related to Freud’s concept of neurosis? 5.