Religious Studies Sigmund Freud: challenges to the moral argument

Religious Studies Freud, religion and morality In order to understand Freud’s work on religion and morality, it is necessary to know something of his psychology. For Freud, psychology is a science and is based on things that can be observed. This marks a crucial difference to the claims of religion and morality.

Religious Studies Freud on the human personality Freud believed that each individual is composed of three parts. They are: Superego: this is the subconscious set of moral controls, given to us by outside influences such as the rules of society and the influence of parents. Ego: the ego is the conscious self. This is the personality that is most obvious to the outside world. Id: the Id is the unconscious self, containing all kinds of basic drives, and repressed memories.

Religious Studies The unconscious Freud’s method of psychoanalysis is based upon the idea that most of our mental life is unconscious: this occasionally slips out in dreams and ‘Freudian slips’. Sexual impulses are the cause of mental illnesses. We repress these sexual impulses because they disgust us, sending them to our unconscious. It is linked to his ideas on the Oedipus Complex. You may wish to do some research on this.

Religious Studies Freud on religion ‘An illusion based on human wishes!’ Religion meets certain psychological needs. It makes us feel safer if natural forces that we do not understand can be attributed to gods who can be appeased. It governs and regulates human behaviour by giving moral codes - religion can have some benefits. However the key point to note is that, for Freud, religion is purely ‘wish fulfilment’. It is an illusion based on what we want to be true rather than what is true. But where does this leave morality?

Religious Studies What does religion do? Religion meets certain psychological needs. It makes us feel safer if natural forces that we do not understand can be attributed to gods who can be appeased. It governs and regulates human behaviour by giving moral codes - religion can have some benefits. However the key point to note is that, for Freud, religion is purely ‘wish fulfilment’. It is an illusion based on what we want to be true rather than what is true.

Religious Studies Freud on morality Freud’s alternative theory of religion throws into question Kant’s conclusion that it is probable that God exists. Remember that Kant had claimed that there is an objective universal moral law which we can rationally identify. The existence of this moral law requires us to postulate human freedom, life after death and the existence of God. Freud seeks to challenge the notion of an absolute moral law. There is an alternative explanation of our moral feelings.

Religious Studies Tackling the Moral Argument The super-ego (which some of us might call our conscience) is really the unconscious part of our mind, which is the internalised voice of our parents and society. “The long period of childhood during which the growing human being lives in dependence on his parents, leaves behind it...A special agency in which this parental influence is prolonged. It has received the name of the superego.” (Freud, outline of psychoanalysis)

Religious Studies Freud’s Conclusion Moral values then are the result of the super-ego and are also shaped by the experiences that we have. Hence there is no objective and absolute morality to argue from. Kantian duty is merely the voice of the superego. “The super-ego, in other words, constructs a ‘categorical imperative’ of duty, an ideal of conduct, to counter the individual’s persisting wish to satisfy the needs of the id... Which causes a sense of guilt.” (Palmer ‘Freud and Jung on religion.’) If Freud is correct, morality is subjective although we experience a sense of objective duty. Kant’s argument cannot be valid as there is no objective universal moral law.

Religious Studies Task Plan your answers to the following exam questions: (a) Explain Freud’s view that moral awareness comes from sources other than God. [25] (b) ‘God is the only explanation of moral awareness’. Discuss. [10] Extension: Research into the following areas to help your part (b) response: Marx’s view that our beliefs about morality are caused by society. Dawkins’ biological explanation of morality. Ayer’s view that moral judgements are demonstrations of an emotion.

Religious Studies Morality Research Extension: Stretch and challenge: in pairs, research the areas below: Marx’s view that our beliefs about morality are caused by society. Dawkins’ biological explanation of morality. Ayer’s view that moral judgements are demonstrations of an emotion.

Religious Studies Common errors in part (b) responses: I both agree and disagree with the statement. On the one hand some people think…On the other hand other people argue… Overall, it is up to the individual which they prefer, there are strengths and weaknesses on both sides. Also: the ‘I’ question… What else is needed here? “The argument is logical.” “The argument is easy to understand.”