As a psychoanalyst, I was always interested in understanding how different approaches to psychology have developed over time. Sigmund Freud, considered the father of psychoanalysis, not only established his own school of thought, but also criticized several other psychological currents of his day. In this article, we will explore the main criticisms Freud made to these other approaches, which will help us better understand the context and evolution of psychology.
Freud was a deep and influential thinker whose ideas continue to shape our understanding of human behavior. However, their criticism of other psychological currents are also important to understand how he developed his own theory and practice. Let’s dive into this theme and explore the main criticism that Freud made to other psychological approaches.
Introduction to Freud’s criticism
Before we enter specific criticism, it is important to understand the context in which Freud was writing. Psychology as a scientific discipline was beginning to establish itself, and several approaches competed with attention and validity. Freud, with his formation in neurology and philosophy, brought a unique perspective to the countryside.
His psychoanalytic theory emphasized the importance of the unconscious, childhood and experiences past in the formation of adult behavior. These ideas were revolutionary for the time and challenged many of the established beliefs about human nature.
Criticism of Experimental Psychology
One of Freud’s main criticisms was directed to experimental psychology, which focused on measuring and quantifying human behavior through controlled experiments. Freud argued that this approach was limited as it could not capture the complexity and depth of human experience.
He argued that psychology should focus more on understanding unconscious motivations and psychic processes underlying behavior rather than just measuring surface responses. This criticism reflected its belief that human behavior is influenced by forces beyond consciousness.
Criticism of Behaviorist Psychology
Behaviorism, which appeared later, was also the target of Freud’s criticism. Behaviorists, such as John B. Watson and B.F. Skinner, believed that behavior could be completely understood by observing response to environmental stimuli without the need to consider internal mental processes.
Freud saw this approach as extremely reductionist, as he ignored the richness and complexity of human mental life. He argued that behaviorists could not explain phenomena such as dreams, linguistic lapses, or flawed acts, which are direct evidence of the influence of the unconscious on behavior.
Criticism of Humanist Psychology
Humanist psychology, which later emerged, also received criticism from Freud. Humanists, such as Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, emphasized the importance of self-realization, personal choice and human potential for growth.
Freud saw this approach as excessively optimistic and naive, as it did not properly consider unconscious forces and internal conflicts that shape human behavior. He believed that humanist psychology underestimated the complexity of human nature and the influence of psychic factors on the formation of the self.
Consequences of Freud’s criticism
Freud’s criticism of other psychological currents had a significant impact on the development of psychology. They helped to establishpsychoanalysisas an important force within the field and influenced generations of psychologists and psychoanalysts.
However, it is also important to recognize that Freud’s criticism has not always been fair or accurate. Many of the approaches he criticized have their own valuable contributions to understanding human behavior, and psychology as a whole has benefited from the diversity of perspectives and methods.
In short, Freud’s criticism of other psychological currents reflects his profound understanding of the complexity of human nature and his conviction that psychology should seek to understand the psychic processes underlying behavior. Although their criticism may have been controversial, they continue to influence the debate about the nature of psychology and how to better address human understanding.
