The superego is idealistic and led by values (even if the values prove to be imposed by our upbringing, and irrational). So in a sense the superego can be in conflict with either ego or id, but seeks to create some moral order on both (and any conflict between them). neurotic) only be liberated from unconscious (repressed) desires or suppressed feelings by therapy. However, as it is a product of parental and social ideas of right and wrong it can also be the source of irrational guilt, for example, about sexual feelings or behaviours, and correspond to an ‘immature conscience’. As the superego is our moral controlling mechanism (Freudian origin of conscience), it seeks to reconcile contradictory feelings, desires and goals within the psyche. It is pragmatic (in a utilitarian sense, consequentialist).ģ. In this sense ego and id are in conflict, as in the two horses of Plato’s chariot (passions verus ideals) which may pull in opposite directions in behavioural terms. The ego is trying to impose some rational order on the id. The ego comprises an idea of self or a projection of our self identity (who am I?) – where the pleasure principle is moderated by ‘the reality principle’ (in a sense determining ‘what we can live with’), as the attached weblink expresses it “working out realistic ways of satisfying the id’s demands, often compromising or postponing satisfaction to avoid negative consequences of society”. The ego is ‘like a man on horseback, who has to hold in check the superior strength of the horse.’” ( see weblink below)Ģ. “Freud made the analogy of the id being a horse while the ego is the rider. Freud used a related horse analogy (a bit different for the charioteer) There is actually a conflict also within the id between eros (creative life instinct) and thanatos (destructive death instinct) – an intriguing idea when we consider the way society misuses and misunderstands the role of eros in the psyche. The picture is of the screaming and demanding infant that needs to be taught/develop self-control. It represents the unruly passions – one of the horse’s pulling Plato’s chariot in the analogy of the charioteer. As the id is primitive (infantile), and in a sense compulsive part of the psyche, and driven by the ‘pleasure principle’. All 3 components are critical, and without them, humans would not be the way are they.1. Without the id and superego, we have no desire or morals. without the id and ego, we are all unrealistic. Essentially, without the ego and superego, we are all children. Unlike the superego, the ego is logical and realistic when processing a course of action. Unlike the id, and like the superego, the ego takes into account societal norms and morality. Like the id, the ego prioritizes obtaining the pleasure it desires. The ego is responsible for compromising between the reckless id and the over idealistic superego. The ego is the middle ground between the id and the superego, and is represented by the person who’s shoulders the angel and devil are standing on. In the example of the devil and angel, the superego is represented by the angel, due to the “ideal self” that it promotes.įinally, the ego, or the self. The superego is responsible for compelling people to make the morally right decision based on society’s and other’s expectations. The superego is a direct counter to the id, for example if someone decides to give into the id and do something wrong, the superego will respond through guilt or shame. Secondly, the superego is the inherent good in a person that has been instilled or molded by figures such as parents, teachers and society. In the example of a devil and angel on someone’s shoulder, the id is represented by the devil due to its reckless and disregarding nature. The id is not in touch with reality or logic, it simply compels a person to do what they want, regardless of consequences or repercussions. When humans are first born, they only possess and id, later on they develop an ego and a superego. This is the premise of Freud’s theory, every person’s psyche consists of an id, ego and superego, and each one contributes to decisions made by the said person.įirstly, the id is the primitive and impulsive part of our psyche, and responds directly to needs and desires. This theory is commonly depicted as a devil and angel on someone’s shoulder, signifying a bad side and a good side, with the person in the middle to manage the two. Sigmund Freud is famous for being the founder of psychoanalysis and introducing multiple new psychology theories, the most enduring of which was the notion that the human psyche is composed of 3 parts.