Beyond the Pleasure Principle: and other writings on morality
May 2024 · The Collected Complete Works of Sigmund Freud Book 2 · Continental Press
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About this ebook
A modern rendering of Sigmund Freud’s groundbreaking 1920 work Beyond the Pleasure Principle (Jenseits des Lustprinzips), along with related writings that explore the complex interplay between sexuality, morality, and the unconscious. This collection brings together four major works that delve into the ethical and metaphysical dimensions of psychoanalytic theory, offering a profound examination of human drives, desires, and the forces that shape our behavior. The included works are: 1906: Meine Ansichten über die Rolle der Sexualität in der Ätiologie der Neurosen / My Views on the Role of Sexuality in the Etiology of the Neuroses 1908: Der Dichter und das Phantasieren / The Poet and Fantasizing 1920: Jenseits des Lustprinzips / Beyond the Pleasure Principle 1924: Der Untergang des Ödipuskomplexes / The Demise of the Oedipus Complex In Beyond the Pleasure Principle, Freud introduces the controversial concept of the “death drive” (Todestrieb), a fundamental force that compels individuals toward self-destruction, repetition, and the return to an inorganic state. This work represents a significant departure from Freud’s earlier emphasis on the pleasure principle, which posits that human behavior is driven by the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain. Freud’s exploration of the death drive challenges traditional notions of human motivation, offering a provocative framework for understanding aggression, trauma, and the compulsion to repeat painful experiences. The additional writings in this volume expand on Freud’s theories, examining the role of sexuality in the development of neuroses (My Views on the Role of Sexuality in the Etiology of the Neuroses), the psychological mechanisms of artistic creation (The Poet and Fantasizing), and the resolution of the Oedipus complex (The Demise of the Oedipus Complex). Together, these works provide a comprehensive exploration of the ethical and metaphysical dimensions of psychoanalytic theory, shedding light on the complex interplay between desire, morality, and the unconscious. This fresh, modern translation from the original German manuscript breathes new life into these historically important works. Freud’s extensive writings have often been inaccessible to the general reader, and this edition seeks to bridge that gap by providing direct access to his original ideas. The Reader’s Edition introduces Freud’s work in context, with an illuminating Afterword that explains his philosophical project, situates it within the Modernist milieu, and explores its enduring impact on contemporary thought. The Afterword also examines the relationship and intellectual conflict between Freud and Carl Jung, particularly their differing views on the nature of human drives. While Freud emphasized the role of repressed desires and childhood experiences, Jung focused on the collective unconscious and archetypal symbols. Accompanied by a timeline of Freud’s life and works, an index of philosophical terminology, and a short biography, this edition is an indispensable resource for students, scholars, and anyone interested in the origins of psychoanalysis. The inclusion of supplemental materials, such as illustrations and a glossary of Freudian psychological terms, enhances the reader’s understanding of this complex and historically important work. Whether you are a seasoned scholar or a curious newcomer, this volume offers a comprehensive and accessible introduction to Freud’s groundbreaking theories on the interplay between sexuality, morality, and the unconscious mind.
About the author
Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) was an Austrian neurologist and the founder of psychoanalysis, a groundbreaking approach to understanding the human psyche. Freud introduced concepts such as the unconscious mind, repression, and the tripartite structure of the psyche, which includes the id, ego, and superego. His work, including seminal texts like The Interpretation of Dreams and Beyond the Pleasure Principle, emphasized the role of unconscious drives and childhood experiences in shaping behavior and personality. Freuds theories on sexuality, defense mechanisms, and dream analysis challenged societal norms and profoundly altered the field of psychology, influencing literature, art, and philosophy. Though controversial, his contributions laid the foundation for modern psychotherapy and continue to spark debates and inspire new approaches to understanding human behavior and mental processes.
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