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Some utilitarian influences in Freud's early writings
1En-Gurion Univ. and Lesley Univ., Israel; Adelphi Univ., New York.
Psychoanalysis and History
|August 19, 2011
Summary
Freud
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Philosophy
Background:
- Explores the influence of British utilitarianism on Sigmund Freud's early psychological theories.
- Highlights Freud's direct engagement with utilitarian thinkers like John Stuart Mill.
Observation:
- Identifies utilitarian concepts, particularly hedonism and the pleasure principle, within Freud's early metapsychology.
- Notes Freud's translation of Mill's essays and his academic background in utilitarianism.
Findings:
- Demonstrates how Freudian theory diverges from utilitarianism regarding the quality of pleasure, internal conflict, and irrationality.
- Contrasts concepts like the constancy principle and repression with utilitarian ideals.
Implications:
- Suggests a foundational philosophical alignment between Freud and utilitarianism in understanding human motivation.
- Argues against a direct comparative analysis of the two distinct theoretical frameworks.
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