Why Freud's Theories Are Considered Unscientific

Introduction to the Criticism of Freud's Theories

• Freud's theories are often dismissed as unscientific by modern psychology students and professors.
• This discussion will explore the reasons why Freud's ideas are seen as unscientific by examining five key elements of what constitutes science today.

Key Ingredients of Modern Science

Empiricism

• Definition: Knowledge is derived from sensory experience; deductive reasoning is less preferred.
• Approach: Observations first, conclusions second (Inductive reasoning).
• Advocate: B.F. Skinner, who believed psychology needed more observations before making deductions.

Materialism

• Definition: All facts can be explained in physical terms, including human consciousness.
• Freud's View: Considered himself a materialist, believing in forces that obeyed laws of physics without physiological structures for proof.

Positivism

• Definition: Knowledge must come from objective observations by unbiased observers.
• Key Figures: Auguste Comte, who proposed positive knowledge from publicly observable events.
• Application: Used to exert control over nature (e.g., steam engines) and practical applications in behavioral control.

Logical Positivism

• Development: Emerged in the 1920s with The Vienna Circle, aiming for general principles in science.
• Features: Combines empirical methods and positivism with logical analysis.
• Critique by Karl Popper:
  • Theories must be falsifiable.
  • Criticized Freud and Adler for their non-falsifiable theories.

Operationism

• Concept: Concepts should refer to publicly observable occurrences.
• Proponent: Percy Bridgeman, who coined "operationism".
• Challenge for Freud: Psychoanalysis struggled to provide operational definitions for its complex concepts.

Shift in Scientific Standards

• Historical Context: Freud's scientific standards changed over time.
• 20th Century Shift: New criteria like falsifiability and operational definitions were adopted.
• Impact: Freud's theories fell out of favor as academic psychology embraced behaviorism.

Conclusion

• Freud initially aligned with scientific heroes but faced evolving scientific standards.
• Modern psychology's criteria differ from Freud's time, affecting the perception of his work as unscientific.