Sigmund Freuds

Theory of Human
Nature
Freuds
Psychoanalytic
Theory
Thoughts and behavior are guided
mainly by the unconscious part
of the mind.
Sexual motivation plays a central
role in everyday life.
Concept of infantile sexuality:
erotic experiences in infancy and
early childhood shape
personality in adulthood.

Freuds
Psychoanalytic
Theory
Conscious: everything we are
aware of at the moment; just
the tip of the iceberg.
Preconscious: memories that we
can bring to consciousness.
Unconscious: memories, wishes,
and instincts (desires) that are
too threatening or painful to
bring to consciousness.

The Id
Contains life instincts (sex, hunger,
thirst, etc.) and death instincts
(aggressive, destructive
tendencies).
Libido: sexual energy that fuels
the entire personality; needed for

everyday life.
Pleasure Principle: seeks
immediate gratification of
impulses regardless of
consequences.
Pleasure = reduction in tension.
Tension increases if we dont
release energy from impulses.

The Ego
Logical, rational.
Executive of personality:
determines where, when, and
how impulses are expressed.
Goal: to satisfy the id in ways that
are socially and morally
acceptable. This requires use of
the...
Reality Principle: tendency to delay
gratification of impulses until
they can be expressed in socially
and morally acceptable ways.

The Superego
Contains moral values; not
rational; doesnt care about
consequences (like id).
Consists of two parts:
Conscience: memories of
behaviors that have been
punished; if we repeat these
actions, we feel guilty.
Ego Ideal: memories of
behaviors for which we have
been praised or rewarded;
repeating them gives us feelings
of pride.

Discussion
Questions

Do you agree with Freud

that human nature can
be reduced to the id, ego
or/and superegos?