Born in Freiburg, Moravia in 1859, died in England in 1939.
Family moved to Vienna, Austria at age 4.
Education
Obtained medical degree and PhD in neurology from the University of Vienna in 1881.
Initially disliked neurology; moved to Paris to study hypnosis under Jean-Martin Charcot.
Career Development
Returned to Vienna to open first medical practice.
Shifted focus from neurology to psychology.
Discovered hypnosis was not effective for mental illnesses; developed a method of talking to patients.
Psychoanalysis
Definition: A method to bring repressed emotions to consciousness from the unconscious.
Set of psychiatric theories on the interaction between the conscious and unconscious mind.
Emphasized talking freely about emotions, memories, and dreams without judgment.
Duration: Therapy could take 3-5 years, often considered expensive.
Criticism: Not widely accepted today; deemed unscientific and lengthy.
Still used for treating anxiety and personality issues in some cases.
Theories of the Mind
Proposed the tripartite model of psyche: Id, Ego, Super-Ego.
Id: Instinctual desires; present at birth; seeks immediate gratification (e.g., physical and sexual desires).
Ego: Rational part of the mind; manages impulses of the Id; differentiates between reasonable and unreasonable actions.
Super-Ego: Moral conscience; develops through upbringing and social influences; significant role of parental figures in its formation.
Legacy and Modern Reception
Freud's ideas seen as foundational, but many considered outdated or unscientific.
His contribution challenged previous religious views of the mind.
Recognized as the father of modern psychology for his influence on the field.
Many of his methods and theories are not in current use but are taught for historical respect.
Conclusion
While Freud's specific theories may not be widely practiced, his work laid the groundwork for modern psychological thought and exploration of the human mind.