Tipsfolk, I have to say I like discussing Freud in the variety of developmental courses I teach. Freudian ideas have become so imbued in our culture that I often find that students can't get away from Freudian ideas. They bestow all kinds of conscious/unconscious attributions to children as well as sexuality concerns. Also, I think that discussing Freud helps to bridge towards other "theories." Surely, we wouldn't have Attachment Theory, Piagetian theories, even maybe Behaviorism as a counter to Freudian ideas--if it weren't for psychoanalysis and Freud. Teaching about Freud is also a lesson in critical thinking. If students learn about the origins of his theories, I hope that they become more critical consumers of information. I hope that they will not longer believe that deodorant causes breast cancer [a popular spam email that comes around periodically].
In addition, theories are theories. Keep in mind that there is the Theory of Natural Selection--is that no less a theory than Freudian theory? [I'm not advocating for intelligent design]. In fact, I would posit that any religion is also a theory. It is a belief system until it is falsified. So, my question is when is a theory no longer a theory and disappears? Let's take phrenology. I would venture to say that most people would not think that the lumps on your skull determine anything about your character. However, you can attend a local fair, I'm sure, where there are people willing to take your money and read your lumps. Clearly, I'm sublimating, Rob Rob Weisskirch, MSW. Ph.D. Associate Professor of Human Development Liberal Studies Department California State University, Monterey Bay 100 Campus Center, Building 82C Seaside, CA 93955 (831) 582-5079 [EMAIL PROTECTED] This message is intended only for the addressee and may contain confidential, privileged information. If you are not the intended recipient, you may not use, copy or disclose any information contained in the message. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender by reply e-mail and delete the message. ---
