Civilization And Its Discontents

What is the super-ego, what is its function, and what causes it to become embedded in the human mind?

Freud believes humans have two fundamental instincts. Briefly describe them and detail the intertwining role each plays in social encounters.

Some people believe the purpose of religion is to enable the experience of “oceanic” ecstasy, while Freud believes people become religious because they need a father-figure god to protect the good and punish the wicked. Which reason do you believe is more correct, and why?

What is the chief threat to culture, and what is the main way that culture defends itself?

Western civilization implores its members to “love thy neighbor as thyself.” Why does society want this, and why does Freud believe it is nearly impossible to achieve? Do you agree?

What are the three main causes of suffering, and what are the three principle methods by which people try to alleviate it?

Is modern culture worth the trouble? Argue for your position.

Some political systems address society’s inequalities by redistributing property so that all citizens have equal shares and none are tempted by greed. Freud believes this approach fails to account for certain powerful human drives. What are these drives, and how do they interfere with systems of economic redistribution?