Psychoanalysis in Modern Theory: An Inheritance from Sigmund Freud

Long regarded as the father of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) lives on today as an incredibly influential and powerful figure in the applied discipline of psychology. For Freud, it was his intense study of dialogue and interplay of involuntary human communication that ultimately led to his conclusions concerning the human unconscious. In contemporary studies, these conclusions have evolved into many of the distinguished, and more importantly controversial theories we associate with his name: the Oedipus complex; castration anxiety; penis envy; repetition compulsion; repression; etc. Much of the contention surrounding Freud is grounded in the belief that his works instituted notions that cannot be proven scientifically, such as personality development in infantile stages; sexuality in unconscious desire; and the unconscious drives behind human mannerism. Yet, despite the fact that many of Freud’s theories have not withstood the test of scientific scrutiny, few can argue against the fact that Freudianism is still impactful and has permeated other branches of modern theory. To prove this point, we can bring to attention the names of two modern theorists that have not only built upon Freud’s ideas in their work, but have consequently expanded his influence into other realms of literature, and other spheres of study. Harold Bloom (1930 – present) and Jacques Lacan (1901-1981) are only two notable thinkers that extend Freud’s ideas and have gained far-reaching influence in intellectual life. In response to this revival however, new opponents of Freud have found the opportunity to retaliate with their concerns and arguments. Nevertheless, the presentation of human identity and unconscious by Freud’s opponents and successors c...

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...acques Lacan, a famous psychoanalyst of the twentieth century who is sometimes referred to as the “French Freud.” Complex in both his writing and treatment of psychoanalysis, Lacan is perhaps one of the greatest heirs to Freud’s ideas concerning the unconscious in modern theory. He is best recognized for his division of the psyche into three distinct orders: the “Symbolic,” the “Imaginary,” and the “real.” However, he is often compared to Freud with regards to his interpretation of the Oedipus complex, which he reforms into what he calls the “oedipal dialectic,” a series of three stages by which a child achieves sexual normalization. Although the resolution is identical to that of Freud’s Oedipal complex, critics like Mikkael Borch-Jacobsen and Douglas Brick argue that Lacan’s model of infantile sexual development differs from Freud’s model at two distinct points.