Contributions of Sigmund Freud

30 October 2011

SYSTEMS AND THEORIES

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• What are the theoretical and methodological contributions of Sigmund Freud?

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Sigmund Freud, often referred to as the father of “psychoanalysis” was an Austrian neurologist. He is generally recognized as one of the most influential and authoritative thinkers in the domain of psychology. Sigmund Freud had his roots in medicine but psychology ran in his blood , this was evident through his early works. His research methods were therefore inclined to the sphere of science , Freud saw himself first and foremost as a pioneering scientist, and repeatedly asserted that the significance of psychoanalysis as the new science, incorporating a new scientific method of dealing with the mind and with mental illness. It was observed that he was constantly trying to draw a connection between physiology and psychology. His early work was expressed by his adherence to the reductionist theories popular at the time. The crux of these theories was that all mental functions had a neurological or physiological response. Thus his later theories virtually connected everything in human psychology to sexual impulses and instincts, as being along the same lines. Freud had made major contributions to the realm of psychology through his unorthodox methods and shocking theories .

Freud is best known for his theories of the unconscious mind and the mechanism of repression, and for creating the clinical method of psychoanalysis for investigating the mind and treating psychopathology through dialogue between a patient and a psychoanalyst. Freud postulated that sexual drives were the primary motivational forces of human life, developed therapeutic techniques such as the use of free...