An evaluation of Freud’s psychoanalytic theory with an emphasis on Nahj al-Balaghah

Abstract

Freud’s psychoanalytic theory is one of the most important theories of the 19th century with massive effects on education. Regarding its method, the theory relies on Western Empiricism, and concerning the nature, it is aligned with Humanistic Materialism. This theory has two basic principles: the three structures of mind, and the three levels of awareness. In Freud’s view, Id is the superior and the most essential of the triple structures, one which is the source of instinctive sexual energies. Besides, he introduces subconscious as the main element in education. Freud’s theory is defective through the lens of religious knowledge, especially that of Nahj al-Balaghah, for the following reasons. First, the exclusivist Empiricism is not a right method in knowing the human. Second, Humanism is a distorted school in knowing the human which does not take into account humans’ sublime aspects. Third, the human does not have three structures of mind, but rather, has only one mental structure. Finally, contrary to Freud’s opinion, the subconscious mind does not have the most effect on human behaviors.

Keywords

• freud
• psychoanalytic theory
• structures of mind
• subconscious
• nahj al-balaghah