TOWARDS AN ETHICAL RECONTEXTUALISATION OF FREUD’S THEORY OF PERSONALITY

Abstract

This paper explores the possibilities of complementing Freud’s theory of human nature with the doctrine of St Thomas Aquinas on the virtue of prudence (phronesis). The paper builds on the foundation laid down by Freud’s theory of the id, the ego, and the superego in relation to moral behaviour. However, it takes a rather different approach to moral decision-making and behaviour, culminating in the author’s creation of the concept of the moral-ego. What is being raised in this paper is a concern that Freud’s theory reduces morality to the dictates of the superego.