Malinger

–verb (used without object)
to pretend illness, esp. in order to shirk one's duty, avoid work, etc.

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6 and final.


It is interesting that Freud was so cynical, though, as his theory, as we discussed in class, makes way for sympathy regarding humans—as in all endeavors, I think, more understanding is the basis for empathy, for the deterioration of judgment, and for mutual benefits. In the example mentioned above—if people were more aware of their inclination to fear the unknown, and where that fear comes from, they might be better able to overcome it. Their understandings of both themselves and the instinctual understandings they’ve already formed could be molded. This kind of self-reflection is key to true ethics and morality, and essential for maturity. It also helps us forgive one another when we act certain ways—trading vindictiveness for understanding.

Psychoanalysis is still important, whether for its modern manifestation (psychology) or even for its proliferated effect (the knowledge of the subconscious). Knowing that something underlies our conscious experience is common sense these days, and allows the individual to explore him or herself much more deeply than has even been possible before. The biggest mass-change from behind Freud to after him is the disbelief in the blank slate—that modern science commonly acknowledges the animality of humans, and everything that comes along with it. While we will still need plenty of talks about how those foundations play a role once the self encounters society, this is the most important place to start—understanding where it comes from.