Freud's psychoanalysis and a Freudian slip

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of Freudian slips, also known as parapraxes, and their validity within the framework of Freud's psychoanalysis. Participants explore whether Freudian slips are real phenomena, the acceptance of psychoanalysis in contemporary science, and the relevance of modern therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT).

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the reality of Freudian slips and seek relevant studies to confirm their existence.
  • Others reference a BBC talk suggesting that many of Freud's ideas are considered incorrect or untestable by modern standards, indicating ongoing debate about the validity of Freudian slips.
  • A participant asserts that while Freudian slips may occur, determining whether a slip is truly Freudian or just a regular mistake is subjective and may reflect more about the analyzer than the individual making the slip.
  • There is a suggestion that psychoanalysis is viewed as a 'borderline' science, with some claiming it has been debunked while others argue it is simply outdated.
  • One participant proposes that current therapeutic practices, such as CBT, focus on inconsistencies in a person's worldview rather than on Freudian concepts.
  • Another viewpoint suggests that slips may be better explained by attentional processes and self-monitoring rather than by invoking a dynamic unconscious.
  • A humorous remark is made that a Freudian slip could be when one says one thing but means something related to their mother.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the validity of Freudian slips and the relevance of psychoanalysis today. There is no consensus on whether Freudian slips are real phenomena or how they should be interpreted within modern psychology.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the subjective nature of interpreting slips, the dependence on definitions of psychoanalysis, and the unresolved status of various claims regarding the scientific standing of psychoanalysis.

Vrbic
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TL;DR
Are Freud ideas still relevant, especially the phenomenon called Freudian slip?
A Freudian slip, also called parapraxis, is an error in speech, memory, or physical action that occurs due to the interference of an unconscious subdued wish or internal train of thought. The concept is part of classical psychoanalysis. [Wikipedia]

My question is whether this phenomenon is real. Are there any relevant studies that confirm this phenomenon?

And generally, is Freud's psychoanalysis accepted in the present science community?

Thank you for any comments.
 
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Vrbic said:
...whether this phenomenon is real.
While it's real, you are not qualified to decide if something is a Freudian slip or just a 'regular' slip.

If you try to 'analyse' anything based on this the result will likely tell more about your unconscious thoughts than about the victim of your experiment.

Vrbic said:
...is Freud's psychoanalysis accepted in the present science community?
Psychoanalysis in general is considered a kind of 'borderline' in science. It has too many interesting results, but cannot be made into 'real' science.

Ps.: maybe you can call it a 'school of thought'. And so Freud is 'old school' o0)
 
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Rive said:
Psychoanalysis in general is considered a kind of 'borderline' in science. It has too many interesting results, but cannot be made into 'real' science.

Exactly. My GP goes as far as to say it has been debunked. My psychiatrist says not so much debunked as outdated. What is predominantly used these days is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). The doctor chats with you about various things trying to probe any inconsistencies/views you may not be aware of that create issues in your life.

I think the current view is a 'Freudian slip' is simply an inconsistency you have in your world view etc a psychiatrist/psychologist notes that may require CBT to rectify.

Thanks
Bill
 
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I suppose in situations in which we are not really attending to our speech or if emotional arousal is reducing control it is entirely possible to say something which is a better reflection of your concerns. The thing is that as an observation this doesn't require a dynamic unconscious to explain it, its more about attentional processes and self monitoring.
The observation isn't debunked, its the explanation that might be flawed, it seems unnecessarily complicated.

A Freudian slip is when you say one thing and mean your mother.
 
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