Psychodynamic psychology, a then newer form of human analysis developed by Freud, reasons that choices and actions made by a person are not actually an active decision by the person. Rather, these choices come from an urge or desire that rests deeper in our mind-- a part of our brain inaccessible to us. These desires show themselves to us only in our dreams, mannerisms, and forms of expression (including art and writing). If this thinking is to be believed, then it is reasonable to assume that we do not have entire control over our actions, reactions, and choices. This essentially means that free will is an illusion, and no matter what control we think we have, our primitive instincts ultimately override our conscious decisions. All of our choices are pre-determined by the simplistic urges of our unconscious mind. This is effectively illustrated in our body's inability to commit certain actions that will inevitably cause pain. However, if we believe this theory, then conditioning a person to behave in a different manner than what is dictated by their instincts is theoretically impossible. If we are fundamentally unable to control our choices and are unaware of our true motives, how are we able to change the way we make decisions or react to a certain situation? If Freudian psychology is to be believed, than behaviourism is impossible.
Further, critics of psychodynamic psychology stress that any evidence gathered by a psychologist practicing psychodynamic psychology is completely biased. There is no proof of an ulterior motive behind a person's decision-- especially if the person themself are unaware of this motive. Also, this form of psychology assumes that reasonless behaviour does not exist, and that there is always a hidden meaning behind decisions; meaning dictated by those desires that we are not aware of.
So, think about this:
According to psychodynamic psychology, you do not have entire control over the decisions you make, and any conscious choices or actions you make can be overridden by primitive desires and true motives you don't know you have. Essentially, there is "someone" "living" in your mind, making your decisions for you, and determining the way you will react in certain situations. How's that for free will?
It's funny how Freud can even attempt to put any facts behind this thought because there seems to be no way to record any sort of data, that's why it will always be a theory. You bring up some really good points and insight, nice job.
ReplyDeleteWow Leena! I think you make a wonderful argument. Freud's theory makes it seem as if growth and free will is not part of the equation. When, in reality we grow and adapt all of the time. We make conscious decisions everyday. We have complete control over our decisions. Although we have motives and desires, we control them, and most of the time we are aware of them. And if we aren't aware of them then it doesn't take someone like Freud to figure them out.
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