'Death Instinct'

Paper Summary:

This paper presents a discussion about Freud's theory of the death instinct in humans. The paper examines and summarizes Freud's theory. The paper concludes with the argument that the death instinct theory makes sense.

Outline:
Introduction
What It Is
Holding It Against Life
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"This idea was rejected at the time by many of the students who followed his teachings. They could not grasp that someone would have a desire to die and would move their life in small steps that could be perceived as a subtle death wish, however, if one closely examines the theory and applies it to scenarios of modern life one can see that the theory seems to have some merit."
"Freud's basis for the theory was that it is almost a primal instinct to wish to die. Before birth one is in the womb, safe, sound, warm and it is peaceful(Strachey, 2002). There are no worries or cares and they do not have to make decisions, hurt or be hurt. They can just exist. On an unconscious level, according to the theory, people want to go back to that time and the one thing that will offer that type of peace is death. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Boeree, George C (2006) (Accessed 9-30-06) Life instincts and the death instinct http://www.ship.edu/~cgboeree/freud.html
• Strachey, James (2002) The standard edition of the complete psychological works of Sigmund Freud (Unknown Binding) by Sigmund Freud W. W. Norton & Company
• Sousa, Ronald (2003) Perversion and death. The Monist (Accessed 9-30-06) Theory http://www.ship.edu/~cgboeree/freud.html

More papers on 'Death Instinct':

• Comparison Essay # 17106 : "Life and Death: Socrates and Gilgamesh"
• Analytical Essay # 53664 : "Beyond the Pleasure Principle"
• Book Review # 6470 : "Beyond the Pleasure Principle"

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