www.pitt.edu/~jmcdowel/0010.html

Writing assignment

DUE: at lecture on Wednesday December 8. LATE PAPERS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

LENGTH: 4-5 standard, typed, double-spaced pages.

TOPIC: On p. 52 of Civilization and its Discontents Freud says: "We must ask ourselves to what influences the development of civilization owes its origin, how it arose, and by what its course has been determined." In chapters IV and V, Freud goes on answer these questions. What is Freud’s answer? How do libidinal instincts, on the one hand, and aggressive instincts, on the other, influence the development and form of civilization? How do these two types of instinct interact? Why does Freud think the assumption that there are aggressive instincts is necessary in order to explain (certain features of) society? Which features do they explain?

Note: In describing Freud’s views, you may restrict yourself to what Freud says in chapters IV and V. You need not include what he says in chapter VI in your discussion – though you may do so if you want to. In describing Freud’s views in chapters IV and V, you will not have space to cover everything he says. You will have to decide what is important enough to include and what is not. Part of your assignment is to make this decision wisely.

After explaining Freud’s views, briefly do one of the following:

Either discuss how Freud’s views relate to the idea that our psychological makeup is shaped by material forces of production;

Or address this question: In Leviathan, Hobbes describes human beings in the state of nature as aggressive. In this respect, Hobbes’ view is similar to Freud’s. However, it can be argued that Hobbes’ view regarding the origin of this aggressiveness is very different from Freud’s. Is this right? How is it different?

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