what are sigmund freud's major contributions to society?

Freud helped us to understand the id, ego, and superego. His psychoanalytic theories and practics have helped many people.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sigmund_Freud#Freud.27s_legacy

Sigmund Freud, a renowned Austrian neurologist and the founding father of psychoanalysis, made several significant contributions to society. Here are some of his major contributions:

1. Psychoanalysis: Freud's most well-known contribution is the development of psychoanalysis. He revolutionized the field of psychology by introducing the idea that unconscious thoughts and desires greatly influence human behavior. Freud created a method to explore the unconscious mind through techniques such as free association and dream analysis.

To understand Freud's contributions to society, you can start by reading his published works. Freud's most famous works include "The Interpretation of Dreams" and "The Psychopathology of Everyday Life." These books delve into his theories on dreams, slips of the tongue, and the workings of the unconscious mind.

2. Concept of the unconscious mind: Freud's concept of the unconscious mind challenged conventional understanding at the time. He proposed that our thoughts, memories, and desires exist outside of our conscious awareness and greatly influence our behavior. This idea paved the way for a deeper understanding of human cognition and the foundations of psychotherapy.

To explore Freud's concept of the unconscious mind, you can read his seminal work, "The Unconscious." This book explains how unconscious thoughts and desires shape human behavior and how they can be explored and understood through psychoanalysis.

3. Psychotherapy: Freud's theories formed the basis of modern psychotherapy. He developed techniques such as free association, where patients verbalize their thoughts without censorship, and transference, where patients project their emotions onto the therapist. These techniques are still widely used in therapy today, helping individuals explore and resolve unconscious conflicts.

To understand Freud's contributions to psychotherapy, you can study his works on psychoanalysis and therapy techniques. Start with books like "Introductory Lectures on Psychoanalysis" and "Beyond the Pleasure Principle," which discuss the foundations of psychotherapy and the role of the therapist.

4. Influence on art and literature: Freud's ideas had a profound impact on the fields of art and literature. His exploration of the unconscious mind and concepts like repression, sexual desires, and the Oedipus complex inspired numerous artists, writers, and filmmakers. Freud's work helped shape the development of surrealism, expressionism, and the modernist movement.

To explore how Freud influenced art and literature, you can read articles or books on the topic. Look for studies that analyze the influence of psychoanalysis on specific artists, writers, or movements, such as Salvador Dali, Virginia Woolf, or the Surrealist movement as a whole.

By delving into Freud's published works, exploring his theories, and studying his impact on various fields, you can gain a deeper understanding of his major contributions to society.