Abstract

FONTES, Flávio Fernandes. Psychic conflict in Freud’s theory. Psyche (Sao Paulo) [online]. 2008, vol.12, n.23. ISSN 1415-1138.

The goal of this article is to better understand the role of psychic conflict in Sigmund Freud’s theory, and investigate the presence and meaning of pairs of opposites in his work. The frequent utilization of antagonisms like conscious/ unconscious, pleasure/pain, etc. is called antithetical thinking, and a list of examples is created to show that it is an important characteristic of Freud’s style of thought. The consequences of this point of view are discussed, and pairs of opposites are pointed out as an important part of the psychoanalytical idea of subject, being relevant also to the comprehension of mental health and disease.

Keywords : Freud; Conflict; Antithesis; Dualism; Opposition.