Freud's Psychological view of Conscience

Ego

Our conscience self that mediates between the id and the demands of social interaction.

Id

The instinctive impulses that seek satisfaction in pleasure.

Superego

The internalized ideals from parents and society that try to make the ego behave morally.

What is the relationship between the ego, the id, and the superego according to Freud?

The ego mediates between the pleasure-seeking impulses of the id and the moral demands of the superego.

What does Freud say about the origins of the superego?

The superego is formed through interactions with parents and authority figures, embodying moral controls and ideals.

What is the Oedipus complex?

A psychological conflict where a male child develops a fixation for his mother and perceives his father as an obstacle.

What key feelings are associated with the Oedipus complex?

Fear, jealousy towards the father, and later identification and admiration.

What is the role of guilt in Freud's theory?

Guilt occurs when actions go against the conscience/superego, reflecting a gap between who we are (ego) and who we strive to be (superego).

How does Freud view the mind?

He compares it to a machine, emphasizing the scientific study of its complicated layers.

What is the key quote from Freud regarding the superego and the Oedipus complex?

‘The ego idea (superego) therefore, is the heir of the Oedipus complex and thus it is also the expression of the most powerful impulses…experienced by libido in the Id.’