Freud and Bergson Section 11 group 2

Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) He believed that we often do not and cannot know what is going on in our own minds; that we are basically irrational, necessarily unhappy creatures. This new idea created problems for philosophers.  However, Freud’s ideas about the mind suggest we can define the science of the mind.  The idea that every little thing we do can be explained remains a question for psychologists.   Freud added the idea of repression to the topic of explanations of the unconsciousness. He thought much of what we repress is perverse yet psychically active.  His explanation was that human conduct by its very nature is based on vile, murderous, incestuous motives. Basically, human beings are not at all naturally good. Sexual perversion was everywhere, precariously repressed. Unhappiness was inevitable, and civilization itself was the cause.
Henri Bergson (1859-1941) believed analysis is not truly possible, it is inexpressible. The idea of facts, things, and sensations do not exist or have a place in philosophy. He viewed change as a whole, not as one big change already predetermining more simple changes. He believed the old philosophy distorts our experiences. He also thought philosophy should focus on events as movements in a process of realization. He believed concepts are motionless and one-sided. This was his idea of duration; the reality of change. The stuff of life itself is change.  

Questions

1.   Although Sigmund Freud believed we cannot determine a rational formula for the way our minds function, in what ways did he believe we could scientifically analyze the brain? Answer: In terms of neurology, energy circuits, and language of physics.

2.      Do you agree with Freud, that we cannot know what is going on in our minds? Do you agree that human conduct by its very nature is based on vile, murderous, incestuous motives? And that these motives are repressed into our unconsciousness and therefore determine each decision we make?