On Thu, 19 Feb 2004, Michael Dawson -PSU wrote:
> > What does Freud have to do with "scientific knowlege"?
> >
> > Carl
>
> 1. As Jared Diamond notes, he shattered the idea that conscious thought was
> all there is to the human psyche.
Not even all psychologists accept the idea of the unconscious. --Coming up with an idea many others disagree with doesn't make you a scientist!
> 2. As Diamond notes, he coined many concepts that remain extremely powerful
> in clarifying reality.
If you mean he developed theories clearly consistent with reality, he is kinda hit and miss. Good research evidence for repression of memory; little or no research evidence for his catharsis theory of aggression.
> 3. His overall model -- that healthy individuation is painful and difficult
> for existential reasons -- is still the bedrock of talk therapy, which, as
> Diamond also notes, once again extremely under-rated.
There are lots of different 'brands' of talk therapy. Some lean heavily on Freud; others more or less ignore his insights (e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy). (--As an aside, talk therapy is typically beneficial, whether or not the therapist relies on any Freudian techniques or insights.)
Miles