Humanities exam (Part 1)

Question 1

define conscious thoughts

Answer 1

It is when we are aware of while thinking them

Question 2

define unconscious thoughts

Answer 2

it is when we are not aware of, even if they affect the way we feel/behave.

Question 3

Most essential psychoanalysis concepts (3)

Answer 3

1. conscious mind
2. Preconscious mind
3. unconscious mind

Question 4

Define what the pre-conscious is and how it works.

Answer 4

• “Mental archive” for thoughts which remain outside our immediate awareness.
• Constitutes the “implicit knowledge” that defines our character.
• the knowledge remains in a dormant (passive) state until recalled.

Question 5

Define what the unconscious is and how it works.

Answer 5

• thoughts, memories, experiences that are repressed bcs they are unacceptable, embarrassing, painful, etc…
• exists in dynamic tension with conscious mind: actively trying to express itself, but cant directly do it bcs of resistance from other parts of the mind.

Question 6

define repression and explain how it works

Answer 6

• Defense mechanism involving the unconscious suppression of unacceptable desire, memories, etc, so it doesnt get into the consciousness.
• Whats repressed stays hidden in the mind, but active, which affects us by expressing itself as a psychosomatic sympt.
• 1806 by J.F Herbart

Question 7

Define denial and how it works.

Answer 7

• Psychic defense mech. that involves the egos rejection of an unacceptable aspect of reality.
• May happen unconsciously or consciously.

Question 8

Repression vs. Denial

Answer 8

Repression: ignorance abt oneself; I prefer not to know what im rly feeling
Denial: ignorance abt reality; I prefer not to know everything abt reality

Question 9

Psychic Agencies (3):

Answer 9

1. Id (body)
2. Ego (reason)
3. Superego (Law)

Question 10

explain what the Id is:

Answer 10

• Most primitive part of the mind, related to basic needs/instincts/impulses.
• task: regulate the organism with the pleasure principle.
• No capacity for thought, self-reflection, or understanding of reality.

Question 11

Explain the ego:

Answer 11

• developed in early childhood from portion of Id to manage instincts & adapt them to reality.
• Organizes memories and experiences to allow us to maintain a stable sense of self and social identity.
• Responsible for repressing unacceptable instincts, memories, ideas, desires and transforming them into acceptable ones.

Question 12

define the superego:

Answer 12

• Moral agency that develops from the ego in childhood based on teachings from parents/ authority figures.
• experienced as an internalized, judgmental gaze of other ppl watching us, even when alone.
• or Inner voice that prohibits, judges or demands.

Question 13

define the dark side of superego:

Answer 13

• worst cases: experience it as an irrational, persecutory, sadistic inner judge they can never satisfy.
• makes sm1 feel guilty, anxious abt failing, masochistic.