"Civilization and its Discontents"

Paper Summary:

The paper explores the main ideas in Sigmund Freud's "Civilization and Its Discontents" regarding religion, the nature of our relationships to each other, the function of civilization, guilt and the concept of the death drive. The paper relates that although some of the concepts proposed in his work may appear illogical and unverified today, we are very much receptive to them through their influence on popular culture in our time. The paper also points out that much of the strength of Freud's psychoanalysis can be attributed to his clinical practice, where he developed his theories by putting them into action.

From the Paper:

"It has been stated that Sigmund Freud "is to psychology's history what Elvis is to rock music's history" (Myers, 2004). Freud's theory on the unconscious was and still is widely popular within popular culture, forming the basis of and providing references for many works. In Civilization and Its Discontents (Freud, 1989), Freud comments on the cause and basis of religious sentiments, often criticizing their illogical nature and blind belief. Elaborating on the nature of civilization, Freud describes its oppression of the expression of instincts and, in turn, happiness. Continuing his explanation to how and why civilization was first formed, Freud shares his insights on the nature of our relationships to each other as driven by sexual desire."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Freud, Sigmund. Beyond the Pleasure Principle. Trans. Strachey, James. W. W. Norton.1961.
• Freud, Sigmund. Future of an Illusion. Trans. Robson-Scott, W.D. New York : Liveright.1949.
• Freud, Sigmund. The Interpretation of Dreams. Trans. Brill A. A. New York: The Macmillian Co. 1933.
• Freud, Sigmund. Civilization and it's Discontents. Trans. Strachey, James. New York: W. W. Norton. 1989.
• Leahey, T. H. A History of Modern Psychology (3rd ed.). New Jersey: Prentice Hall. 2001.

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