Outline Freud's tripartite psychodynamic model of the psyche.

Freud's basic tripartite psychodynamic model of the psyche with the Id contains unconscious libido and aggressive drives as well as conscious Ego and Superego faculties. Although having, prima facie, a very similar architecture as Plato's model of the psyche, Freud's treatment effectively inverts the former's emphasis on the power of reason (in this he is inspired by Schopenhauer). You will also recall, crudely put, that Freud postulated that the Id demands instant gratification; the moralistic conscientious Superego is against gratification and that the Ego attempts to reconcile the former's via delayed gratification. The Ego, as a "third term", tries to balance the antithetical demands of the "psychotic" Id and "neurotic" Superego. If it does not, the individual is considered to be mentally ill.

SC
Answered by Samuel C. Philosophy tutor

5184 Views

See similar Philosophy A Level tutors

Related Philosophy A Level answers

All answers ▸

The affluent have a moral duty to alleviate world poverty


What are the key features of Kantian deontology and what problems do they pose?


What is the tripartite analysis of knowledge? Is it succesful?


Explain the concept of supervenience


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning