Totem - Study Questions
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New York University *
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Course
101
Subject
Philosophy
Date
Apr 3, 2024
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Pages
1
Uploaded by PresidentMusic5141
Freud Totem and Taboo
Study Questions
The check marks (√) and crosses (X) in the Freud text note the least amount of reading to do. If you read more than that (i.e. before and/or after) you will find you understand Freud’s psychology and theory better. Students have told me this. (But I still assign less reading, to hopefully limit stress.)
I strongly recommend that you find a partner to discuss the below questions in order to develop your responses. Your written work should be fully your own.
As you address Freud, be aware that he is offering a (rather daring) theory of early human society -- and of all patriarchal religions -- based on his psychological approach to human behavior. In doing so, note that Freud makes a number of assumptions, essential for his theory:
The Oedipus Complex is a universal psychological phenomenon, i.e. one experienced by all people across all cultures.
Trauma long buried in the human unconscious can appear in the form of religion.
Study Questions:
1.
According to Freud, drawing on Darwin, what was the earliest formation of human society? What were, according to him, its significant features? (Be specific. Use the text.)
2.
According to Freud, whom or what does the totem symbolize? Describe the specific steps by which Freud arrives at and supports his claim regarding the totem’s symbolic identity. Identify in those steps, where appropriate, Freud’s psychological reasoning. (Be specific. Use the text.)
3.
Freud speaks of ambivalent human emotions that coincide in the tribal sons’ feelings
towards the paternal tribal leader. What are those feelings and why are they ambivalent? Be specific. Use the text.
4.
According to Freud, “totemic religion arose out of the filial sense of……[what]”? What is the psychological dynamic that Freud sees as the root and origin of religion? How does he arrive at this claim – what is its basis? (Be specific. Use the text.)
5.
Do you find anything intriguing and/or potentially useful in or about Freud’s theory? If so, what? And why? (Be specific. Use the text.)
6.
Does anything in or about Freud’s theory arouse your aggravation and/or rejection? If so, what? And why? (Be specific. Use the text.)
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