How Science in 19th and Early 20th Centuries Affected Freud's Ideas
The ideas of Freud were greatly affected by the influences from many pieces of technology and scientists in his times. During much of Freud's life, the dominant technology was steam power. Steam was very common in back then as how computer is nowadays. Hermann von Helmholtz -- the person who introduced the theory of conservation of energy -- was one of the scientists who greatly influenced Freud. In his theory, Helmholtz stated that energy can neither be created nor destroyed. From here, Freud found out that human are driven by “psychic energy”. Moreover, Freud was able to adapt the theories of thermodynamics to explain his theories of psychodynamics. He theorized that human personality is divided into three parts, the id, ego, and superego. Freud had well described his theories by using the analogy of thermodynamics – he mainly compared to id, ego, and superego to the systems of steam engines which include fire, water, and steam. On the other hand, Charles Darwin’s ideas had also been a great influence to Freud’s theories. Through law of nature, Darwin showed that man is a part of nature world. Therefore, it could be studied scientifically. By looking back at the theory of evolution, we can see many several similarities in Freud’s theories of psychodynamics. For example, Darwin suggested adaptation – the change in organisms in order to suit better in the environment -- in his theory while Freud introduced ego – human personality that changed social condition -- in the psychodynamics.