Freud’s Obsessional Neurosis-Origin of Slavery, Status of Women and Technology: Indian and Greek Civilizations Revisited

Article Title: Freud’s Obsessional Neurosis-Origin of Slavery, Status of Women and Technology: Indian and Greek Civilizations Revisited

Author(s): Sobia Tahir

Institute(s): Department of Philosophy and Interdisciplinary Studies, GC University, Lahore

Journal: Pakistan Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 2014, Vol. 12, No.2, 38-42

Correspondence Address: Dr. Sobia Tahir, Department of Philosophy and Interdisciplinary Studies, GC University, Lahore, Pakistan; e-mail: sobiatahir_phil@yahoo.com

Abstract

The theoretical paper has been developed around a hypothesis derived from the landmark essays of Sigmund Freud, namely; Moses and Monotheism and Totem and Taboo. Freud during his illustrious career as a psychologist and founder of the psychoanalytical technique paid detailed attention to neuroses. Amongst these, it was the obsessional neurosis which kept him absorbed throughout his life. Freud’s contribution to the study of obsessional neurosis is immense. For him it is not only a disorder but the foundation of human civilization, culture, morality, law and religion. According to Freud art and philosophy bear striking resemblance to the symptoms of obsessional neurosis. This paper has tried to establish how the study of neurosis may help shed light on the origin of many human institutions, customs, ways of life, political systems and evolution of some disciplines such as Physics and Mathematics. The main theme of this research is to address how the concepts of slavery in Greece and untouchables in India (still invogue) display an underlying theme of the same neurosis. The advancement of both nations in the fields of mathematics and philosophy can be traced back to the existence of the rudimentary theme of neurosis. The replacement of the slave with the machine in the modern world also bears a strong relation to the theme of obsessional neurosis. Moreover, the low status ascribed to women in various societies can be explored in the light of such neurosis.

Keywords: obsessional neurosis, philosophy, mathematics, culture, civilization, religion, taboo, touching phobia, dirt, woman, physical labour, inferiority complex, slavery, technology, India, Greece.

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