Chapter 16 Study Questions Flashcards
What were the people who were interested in the unconscious mind concerned with?
The individuals interested in the unconscious mind were primarily concerned with understanding the underlying causes of mental illness, delving into the psychological origins of human behavior, and exploring the complexities of the human mind beyond conscious experience. This group, which later paved the way for the development of psychoanalysis, included early pioneers like Sigmund Freud, who played a crucial role in crystallizing and popularizing these ideas.
Describe the historical antecedents of psychoanalysis
Historical antecedents to psychoanalysis can be traced back to various philosophers and thinkers who contributed to the evolution of this field. These figures include:
Leibniz: His monadology highlighted the idea that different levels of awareness exist, ranging from clear perception (apperception) to experiences of which we are unaware (petites perceptions).
Goethe: His depiction of human existence as a constant struggle between conflicting emotions and tendencies resonated with the major themes in psychoanalysis.
Hegel: Through his dialectic process, Hegel emphasized the resolution of conflicting forces, a concept that Freud frequently referenced in his own ideas.
Herbart: He introduced the concept of the threshold, where an idea is either conscious or unconscious, as well as the notion of a conflict model of the mind.
Schopenhauer: He emphasized the dominance of irrational desires over reason and the potential for sublimation to counteract these irrational forces, echoing Freud’s later concepts of sublimation, repression, and resistance.
Nietzsche: Nietzsche’s portrayal of humans as engaged in a perpetual battle between irrational and rational tendencies, similar to Freud’s notions of the id and superego, suggests a significant influence on Freud’s work.
Fechner: Fechner’s analogy of the mind as an iceberg, with consciousness representing only a small portion, influenced Freud’s later adoption of the same analogy.
Darwin: Darwin’s emphasis on instincts as the driving force behind human behavior, rather than reason, aligned with Freud’s contention that powerful animal instincts shape human personality.
Helmholtz: His concept of the conservation of energy, initially adopted by Freud, later led him to switch from a medical to a psychological model in explaining human behavior.
Brentano: Brentano’s teachings about the importance of motivational factors and the distinction between objective and subjective reality significantly influenced Freud’s theory.
Karl Eduard von Hartmann: His work on the philosophy of the unconscious, emphasizing the idea of a powerful psychological unconscious, resonated with Freud’s conceptualization of the unconscious mind.
Describe the life and work of Sigmund Freud (1856–1939)
Sigmund Freud, born in 1856 in Freiberg, Moravia (now Pribor, Czech Republic), was a renowned neurologist and the founder of psychoanalysis. His work had a profound influence on the fields of psychology, psychiatry, and cultural studies. Freud’s life and work are marked by several significant episodes and contributions that shaped the development of his psychoanalytic theories and techniques
Describe the cocaine episode
In the 1880s, Freud became intrigued by the potential medical uses of cocaine. Initially, he perceived it as a valuable stimulant and anesthetic. After experimenting with the drug personally and observing its positive effects, he fervently advocated for its benefits. However, his enthusiasm waned as reports of addiction and harmful side effects surfaced, leading to widespread condemnation of the drug within the medical community
Describe the Freud’s addiction to nicotine
Despite his reservations about the negative health impacts of smoking, Freud struggled with a nicotine addiction for a significant portion of his life, smoking an average of 20 cigars daily. His addiction persisted even after being advised by his physician to quit due to heart arrhythmia. Eventually, Freud developed cancer of the palate and jaw, leading to a series of surgeries and the use of a prosthetic device to cope with the resulting physical deformity
Describe the Joseph Breuer and the case of Anna O.
During his early career, Freud developed a close professional relationship with Joseph Breuer, who played a pivotal role in the development of psychoanalysis. Breuer’s treatment of a patient known as Anna O. marked the beginning of Freud’s journey into the realm of psychoanalysis. Using the cathartic method, Breuer demonstrated that emotional release through the conscious expression of repressed traumatic experiences could alleviate hysterical symptoms. This case significantly influenced Freud’s later work on the unconscious mind and the treatment of neurotic disorders
Describe the Freud’s visit with Charcot
Freud’s visit to study with Jean-Martin Charcot in 1885 was a critical turning point in his career. Charcot’s groundbreaking work on hysteria challenged conventional medical perspectives, emphasizing the psychological origins of the disorder. Freud’s observations during his time with Charcot laid the foundation for his future exploration of the unconscious and its role in psychopathology
Describe the the invention of the free association technique
Based on his experiences with hypnosis and observation of patients at the Nancy school, Freud developed the free association technique. This method allowed patients to express their thoughts and associations freely, without the constraints of hypnosis. By encouraging patients to delve into their unconscious and articulate repressed memories, emotions, and desires, Freud believed that a deeper understanding of their psychological struggles could be achieved. Free association became a fundamental tool in psychoanalytic therapy, aiding in the uncovering of repressed material and the exploration of unconscious motivations
Describe the the Studies on Hysteria
In his collaboration with Breuer, Freud published Studies on Hysteria in 1895. This seminal work highlighted the significance of unconscious motivations in the manifestation of hysterical symptoms. Freud and Breuer emphasized the role of trauma and repressed experiences in the development of hysteria, advocating for the cathartic method as a means of addressing and resolving these underlying psychological conflicts. Studies on Hysteria laid the groundwork for Freud’s subsequent theories on the unconscious mind, repression, and the significance of sexuality in psychological development
Continue describing the work of Freud’s Project for a Scientific Psychology, including seduction theory
The seduction theory, initially proposed by Freud, suggested that hysterical symptoms stemmed from childhood sexual trauma. However, Freud eventually abandoned this theory, concluding that the patients had imagined the encounters. This shift led to the formation of his concept of repressed desires and the role of the unconscious in shaping neuroses
Continue describing the work of Freud’s Project for a Scientific Psychology, including Freud’s self-analysis
Freud’s self-analysis played a pivotal role in shaping his theoretical framework. His exploration of his own dreams and memories allowed him to recognize universal patterns of human experience, including the Oedipus complex, and helped solidify his ideas about the significance of childhood experiences on adult psychology
Continue describing the work of Freud’s Project for a Scientific Psychology, including dream analysis
Dream analysis became a fundamental aspect of Freud’s psychoanalytic method, representing a pathway to the unconscious mind. Freud asserted that dreams were symbolic expressions of repressed desires and that the interpretation of dreams was essential for uncovering hidden motivations. Concepts such as manifest and latent content, condensation, and displacement were crucial to his understanding of dream interpretation
Continue describing the work of Freud’s Project for a Scientific Psychology, including the Oedipus complex
The Oedipus complex, derived from Freud’s self-analysis, highlighted the universal nature of young males desiring their mothers and competing with their fathers. This concept contributed significantly to Freud’s understanding of the role of childhood experiences in shaping adult behavior and provided a framework for interpreting patients’ experiences
Continue describing the work of Freud’s Project for a Scientific Psychology, including the Psychopathology of Everyday Life book
In his work “Psychopathology of Everyday Life,” Freud delved into parapraxes, slips of the tongue, and small errors that he believed revealed unconscious motivations. He argued that all behavior was motivated and that these seemingly insignificant incidents were manifestations of repressed wishes and desires
Continue describing the work of Freud’s Project for a Scientific Psychology, including his trip to the United States
Freud’s trip to the United States in 1909 brought him international recognition and highlighted the growing interest in psychoanalysis. While he appreciated the attention, he was critical of certain aspects of American culture, particularly the informal atmosphere and the prevalence of religious mind cures. Despite his reservations, the trip marked a turning point in the global recognition of psychoanalysis as a legitimate field of study
