3 ms·
Three-brain structure (Freud's id, ego, superego) is still the best simple explanation I know. Maybe the physical reality is a bit different, but it partitions
by sdwr 3y ago
Three-brain structure (Freud's id, ego, superego) is still the best simple explanation I know. Maybe the physical reality is a bit different, but it partitions actions so nicely.
Id - base impulses, bubble up automatically and subconsciously
Ego - the self, the "me". Where the story of identity comes from, what gets judged in court.
Superego - rules imposed from on high that restrict behavior
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I think "opposite impulses" can be explained as a form of self-control. Let's say I see someone I'm attracted to, but want to maintain composure and stay in a neutral stance. Left to my own devices I'll flush, and my eyes will widen, maybe I'll get clumsy. Bringing an opposite-but-aligned emotion in maintains equilibrium (anger, disgust...)
I see opposite-but-aligned impulses with my dog all the time. He knows I don't like him chasing squirrels. When he sees one, he gets activated + alert, but redirects his energy into running a few paces the other way. It's a bridge between the id (Go! Chase!) and the superego (Stay calm, don't pull!)
- robertlagrant 3y agoI never understood why the superego isn't me.
- arrosenberg 3y agoIt probably makes sense to think about it as base-me and societally-influenced-me.
- mrkeen 3y agoYou don't need to. 'Superego' is an invention. You could invent your own abstract idea and call it you. Or you could simply declare that the superego is you.
- robertlagrant 3y agoI mean in the construct of ego/id/superego, why is the "ego" me and not the "superego"?
- sdwr 3y agoSuperego is what you are supposed to do, id is what you want, and ego is where they meet in the middle. If you are identifying with the superego, maybe you are in a situation where you more "have to"s than "want to"s?
- RugnirViking 3y agonone of them alone is you. Thats kinda the point. You are all three. Maybe you were tempted to do something indulgent, but decided against it. Another brain might have made a different choice. On a different day, with a little more stress and tiredness, you yourself might have made a different choice.
- nemo 3y agoInterestingly, Freud's model is very similar to Plato's tripartite soul from the Republic with the appetites, the "spirited" part of the soul, and Nous, and Aristotelian psychology has the same tripartite soul. The big difference is the modern view of superego vs the ancient view of nous are quite distinct.