Influence Of The Unconscious: The Discovery Of The Unconscio

Influence Of The Unconsciousthe Discovery Of The Unconsc

Assignment 2: Influence of the Unconscious The discovery of the unconscious is typically attributed to Freud even though it has roots long before Freud was born. Freud was, however, influential in popularizing the unconscious. Freud and his followers maintained that much of what influences us is unconscious. The better we are able to discover these influences, the more we are able to moderate or change these influences in our behavior, thoughts, and emotions. What implications does this have for morals and ethics?

Address the issue of responsibility — for example, what implications does this have for acting-out or criminal behavior? What was Freud’s view of human nature? What role would this play in understanding the importance of therapy? How would Freud or a psychodynamic thinker evaluate the effectiveness of therapy? The body of the paper should be between 3-5 pages, double-spaced 12-point, Times New Roman or Arial font, with 1-inch margins all around, and free from grammatical errors.

You should also include a cover page and reference list in APA format.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The concept of the unconscious has profoundly influenced modern psychology, with Sigmund Freud’s theories serving as a cornerstone. Freud’s exploration of the unconscious revealed that much of human thought, emotion, and behavior operates below the level of conscious awareness. This insight, disseminated through his psychoanalytic approach, has far-reaching implications for understanding morality, ethics, responsibility, and the effectiveness of therapy. This paper examines the influence of the unconscious on moral and ethical behavior, responsibility concerning criminal acts, Freud’s view of human nature, and the role of therapy within a psychodynamic framework.

Implications of the Unconscious and Free Will in Ethical and Moral Behavior

Freud’s assertion that unconscious drives, particularly those rooted in primal instincts such as aggression and sexuality, shape much of our conscious decision-making challenges traditional notions of free will and moral responsibility. If many of our actions are driven by unconscious forces, then questions arise regarding the extent to which individuals can be held morally accountable for their behavior. Freud argued that unconscious conflicts could manifest as socially inappropriate or criminal acts if left unresolved, suggesting that understanding these hidden influences is essential for moral development and ethical behavior (Freud, 1915).

This perspective necessitates a reconsideration of moral responsibility, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and psychological health. The unconscious acts as a hidden determinant of behavior, and ethical frameworks must account for the internal conflicts that propel action. Consequently, fostering conscious awareness through therapy can enable individuals to recognize and manage these internal influences, promoting ethical conduct.

Responsibility and Criminal Behavior

Freud’s theories imply that criminal acts originate from unresolved unconscious conflicts or repressed impulses. For instance, the phenomenon of acting-out—where unconscious desires are expressed through behavior—suggests that perpetrators may not fully control their actions. Freud believed that criminal behavior often resulted from a failure in the psyche’s defense mechanisms, such as repression or denial (Freud, 1923).

This view complicates traditional notions of personal responsibility; it raises questions about the extent to which individuals are culpable when unconscious conflicts drive their behavior. Psychodynamically, responsibility is intertwined with the capacity for insight and change. Therapy aims to bring unconscious conflicts into conscious awareness, allowing individuals to confront and resolve internal struggles that may lead to acting-out behaviors.

In legal contexts, Freud’s ideas have historically influenced discussions about culpability, suggesting that an understanding of unconscious motives could inform sentencing and rehabilitation strategies, although modern law balances these psychological insights with societal protections.

Freud’s View of Human Nature

Freud believed that human nature is inherently conflictual, driven by powerful unconscious instincts that are often at odds with societal demands. He posited a tripartite model of the psyche—comprising the id (instinctual drives), the ego (rational self), and the superego (moral conscience)—which interact in complex ways. The id seeks immediate gratification, while the superego imposes moral restrictions, and the ego mediates between these forces (Freud, 1923).

This viewpoint underscores Freud’s belief that humans are not inherently rational or morally upright but are instead governed by unconscious urges that need regulation. The tension among these psychic structures shapes personality and behavior, often leading to internal conflict that requires resolution through development, socialization, and therapy.

The Role of Therapy and its Evaluation within a Freudian Framework

Freud saw therapy as a vital process for uncovering and resolving unconscious conflicts. Psychoanalysis, as a form of therapy, aims to bring hidden impulses, desires, and fears into conscious awareness through techniques such as free association and dream analysis (Freud, 1900). This process enables individuals to better understand the roots of their behaviors and conflicts, fostering insight and emotional growth.

Freud and subsequent psychodynamic thinkers believed that effective therapy could significantly reduce neurotic symptoms and behavioral problems, including criminal tendencies. The success of therapy hinges on the patient’s willingness to explore and confront unconscious material, facilitating personality integration and moral development (McLeod, 2018). Although some critiques argue that psychoanalysis lacks empirical validation, many practitioners consider it a valuable method for long-term personality change and moral insight.

Examples and Support for Therapy’s Effectiveness

Empirical research indicates that psychodynamic therapy can produce meaningful improvements in mental health, including reductions in anxiety, depression, and maladaptive behaviors (Leichsenring & Rabung, 2011). For example, studies have shown that individuals with borderline personality disorder undergoing psychoanalytic therapy demonstrate enhanced emotional regulation and reduction of impulsivity—factors closely linked to irresponsible or criminal behavior (Bateman & Fonagy, 2004).

Furthermore, therapy’s role in uncovering unconscious motives offers a pathway for individuals to gain control over impulsive actions, thereby decreasing the likelihood of harmful or criminal acts. Although not universally effective for every individual, psychoanalytic approaches have demonstrated adaptability and depth in addressing underlying psychological causes of maladaptive behaviors.

Conclusion

The discovery of the unconscious profoundly influences our understanding of human morality, responsibility, and the necessity of therapy. Freud’s view of human nature as conflict-ridden driven by unconscious forces highlights the importance of self-awareness and psychological intervention. Recognizing the role of unconscious motives complicates traditional views of moral responsibility but also opens avenues for reform and personal growth through psychoanalytic therapy. While debates about the empirical validation of psychoanalysis persist, its emphasis on exploring hidden parts of the psyche remains a foundational perspective in understanding human behavior and fostering moral development.

References

• Bateman, A., & Fonagy, P. (2004). Mentalization-based treatment for borderline personality disorder. Personal Relationships, 11(2), 183-205.
• Freud, S. (1900). The Interpretation of Dreams. Hogarth Press.
• Freud, S. (1915). The Unconscious. Standard Edition, 14, 159–215.
• Freud, S. (1923). The Ego and the Id. Hogarth Press.
• Leichsenring, F., & Rabung, S. (2011). Effectiveness of psychodynamic therapy for personality disorders: A meta-analysis. JAMA Psychiatry, 68(4), 389-396.
• McLeod, J. (2018). Psychodynamic Counselling in Action. SAGE Publications.