Psychoanalysis and Ethics: Some Reflections on the Self in its Relationship to Good and Evil

Abstract

Freud’s view of morality is well known. He sees morality as opposed to our nature as human beings. To be oneself or authentic one has to give due recognition to what belongs to one’s nature. One who sides with morality, therefore, takes sides against one’s own nature which is instinctive in character. Morality is thus a force of repression and prevents men from becoming themselves.