PSYCHOANALYTIC THEORY

A. CRITIQUE

The famous B.F. Skinner had something to say about Freud’s theory. He
examined the dynamic ways of Freud’s theory and commented about it. Skinner
suggested five criticisms however if to talk about in relation to dynamic
psychology, only one would be applied.

Skinner particularly targeted the terms used by Freud such as “libido” and
“cathexis”. These concepts are used by psychoanalysts to explain how a
behavior is more and more manifested. However, the probability that an action
will occur is not studied extensively in this theory. As Skinner (1956) stated, the
delicate question of how probability of action is to be quantified was never
answered, because these constructs suggested dimensions to which the
quantitative practices of science in general could not be applied.

B. REFERENCE

Skinner, BF. (1956). Critique of Psychoanalytic Theories. In H. Feigl & M. Scriven

(Eds.), Minnesota Studies in the Philosophy of Science (77 - 87). Minnesota:
University of Minnesota Press.

C. REACTION

There are already many criticisms on Freud about this. The psychoanalytic
theory is deeply rooted or is mainly focused on the unconscious. And many
theorists would say that if to talk about it scientifically, the unconscious may not
be studied. We cannot simply measure it or examine it. We may see it through
behavior, yes but some concepts are difficult to study. For instance, Skinner’s
critique wherein the probability of a certain action in terms of quantitative study is
not present in Freud’s theory. I agree with that completely. Behavior is already
dynamic and Freud’s way of explaining it made it more dynamic.

Also, as I said earlier, I completely agree with Skinner. However, let us not
forget that Skinner is a proponent in the S-R theories or model. He examines
behavior in a scientific manner while Freud studies more of the unconscious.
That is why Skinner gave comments attacking the scientific validity of Freud’s
theory.