Beyond Freud's Originology

Beyond Freud's Originology

Introduction

This paper aims to discuss Erik Erikson's reasoning for moving past Sigmund Freud's originology theories. These reasonings create an epigenetic approach. In both enriched and expanded forums, all previous stages incorporate each new stage of development. Furthermore, the strengths and the respective limitations of the social self are discussed in cultural context. Finally, the relevance of the topic at hand, to the field of psychology will be discussed.

Discussion

Freud is one of the most controversial thinkers of all time. Some go to the extent of saying he had more talent for self promotion and public relations than psychology. His contributions to the field of psychology are debatable, and there are many people who stand by, and against, Erikson's thoughts (Cote & Levine, 2002). Freud believed that the personality of an individual developed very early, during childhood. According to him, personality shapes based on sexual desires inherent in early childhood.

With time, scholars began to doubt Freud's approach to psychosexual development. They believed his theories became limited when viewed with respect to the stages of development of every individual. It must be noted that Freud's key concepts to development theory, to this day, are widely accepted. The concepts of super ego, id and ego are examples of few familiar concepts. It is just his extremely absurd rationale that has been the cause of controversy. Erik Erikson and among others were steadfast in rejecting Feud's opinion that the basis of sexuality influences an individual's personality.

Erikson's work is an extension of the theories presented by the controversial Sigmund Freud. Erikson's psychosocial development theory disputes the concept of originology. According to the concepts of originology, every mental illness is a direct result of childhood experiences (Hoare, 2002). Erikson is of the belief that personality development is a function of the early days of an individual's life and individual development.

A closer look at the Erikson's work shows contrasts to the concept of originology. Freud is of the belief that personality ceases to develop at a certain age. Erikson counters by suggesting that personality continually shapes throughout life. The concept of originology faces tough competition because of the author's blunt views and scanty understanding of sexuality. Human sexuality is what seems to be the basis and focus of Sigmund Freud's work. Besides basic personality development, Freud's theories provide great insight, understanding and appreciation of sex and sexual development.

Erikson improves the psychosexual stages provided by Freud ...