Lecture on Sigmund Freud's theories and contributions to psychology.
Discussed limitations of psychoanalysis.
Examined how Freud's ideas on the unconscious mind influence modern psychology.
Sigmund Freud in a Historical Context
Freud: Most famous psychologist, major influence on 20th and 21st-century thought.
Lived in Vienna, Austria, later moved to London.
Known for developing a comprehensive theory of the mind.
Noted for his energy and productivity, partially attributed to cocaine addiction.
Characterized as ambitious, sometimes dishonest, and a controversial figure.
Freud's Main Theories
Unconscious Motivation: Suggests motivations and desires are often unconscious.
Id, Ego, and Superego:
Id: Present at birth, driven by the Pleasure Principle (desires immediate gratification).
Ego: Develops to mediate between Id and reality, operates on the Reality Principle.
Superego: Internalizes societal rules, acts as a conscience.
Psychosexual Development: Five stages of personality development tied to erogenous zones.
Defense Mechanisms
Techniques to keep unconscious desires from reaching consciousness.
Defense Mechanisms Examples
Sublimation:
displacing anxiety (putting somewhere else) to activities valued by society
Example: âfunnelingâ stress and anxiety into work; when stressed --> listening to music, participating in activities we enjoy
Displacement:
redirecting shameful thoughts to appropriate targets
Example: finding an âoutletâ like punching a punching bag or going to the gym when angry at someone or something; when angry --> destroy things in video games
Projection:
putting unacceptable impulses on someone else (projecting it)
Example: bully who is insecure makes others feel insecure by picking on them (bully projects insecurities)
Rationalization:
using reasoning to make anxiety-producing thoughts go away
Example: coaching yourself through something (âI studied really hard, I know this, I donât need to be worriedâ); logical explanations to why things will be ok!
Regression:
retreating (going back to) behaviors that are characteristic of earlier stages of development
Example: an adult having a child-like tantrum when upset
Freud's Theory of Dreams
Dreams as wish fulfillment with manifest and latent content.
Viewed dreams as symbolic of unconscious struggles.
Extended ideas to areas like religion, viewing belief in a singular deity as seeking a father figure.
Criticisms and Controversies
Freud's theories criticized for being vague and untestable, leading to the concept of non-falsifiability.
Compared to astrology, criticized for lack of scientific evidence.
Psychoanalysis often questioned as an effective treatment for mental disorders.
Freud's Influence in Modern Psychology
Unconscious processes evident in language understanding and social psychology.
Examples include effects of subliminal messages and unconscious biases.
Freudian ideas have permeated culture but are often critically assessed in academic psychology.
Further Discussion and Questions
Topics include cultural differences, single-parent family effects, and the Electra complex.
References
Peter Gray, "Psychology" (5th edition)
Freud, "The Unconscious" in The Norton Psychology Reader