Posted by James K on January 17, 2006, at 16:42:11
In reply to Eros and Thanatos, posted by alexandra_k on January 17, 2006, at 1:29:53
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> ‘According to Freud, the development of the libido, sometimes referred to as sexuality or the life instinct, is what drives our psychological development.
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> He worked it into his metapsychology by arguing that both the life and death instincts come from the same root and have the same aim: a release of tension. However, they choose different ways to achieve that aim. The life instinct chooses a circuitous route through the formation of relationships with others, sexual activity and the production of children, the continuation of life. The death instinct chooses a more direct route: the release of tension forever. However, it can be subordinated to the life instinct when it is directed against an external enemy…
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> [What I'm wondering about now is whether we need to posit a ‘death instinct’ in addition to the ‘life instinct’, or whether we can make do with the libido?]---Is the part in brackets you speaking/thinking?
> [Melanie Klein suggested] that we regard it as a natural destructive impulse, built into our physical movements and our ability to feel angry.
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> These two drives... Can be seen as providing the energy for psychic life and the basis of the psychic structures... The problem with carthartic release is that the energy builds up again so we get back to where we started from... Psychoanalytic therapy... aims at changing the structures through which the energy is processed.---Does Klein introduce the idea of two seperate drives instead of two manifestations of the same drive (libido)
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> "Psychoanalysis: A Critical Introduction" pp. 19-20
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> What I'm wondering about now is whether we need to posit an ‘agressive instinct’ in addition to the ‘life instinct’, or whether we can make do with the libido?
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---Now this is definitely you talking here. I'm not clear if you are wondering about adopting Klein as your belief or if you are postulating a new version of the old ideas.---One of the reasons I quit school 20 years ago was because when I was expected to analyze the ideas of the great thinkers, I was overwhelmed. What can I offer to what the greatest minds have written about Plato, Shakespeare, Freud etc.
--- One of the things I'm hearing is thantanos can be used against others in war or conflict, but in the abscence of above conflict, It can be used against ourselves. In practical terms I need to focus on Eros. Is this how maladaptive coping skills enter the picture.
--- It's always about me huh. Good luck in your studies. If this helps in any way I'd be proud and amazed, but your explanations helped me.
Thanks,
James K
poster:James K
thread:599901
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20060110/msgs/600028.html