Final answer:
Freud's theories, influenced by German idealism, focused on the complex nature of the mind and the existence of the unconscious. He emphasized the importance of early childhood experiences and described defense mechanisms as ways to cope with inner conflicts. While not all of his ideas are supported by modern research, Freud's contributions to psychology have significantly influenced the field.
Step-by-step explanation:
Freud and (German) idealism
Freud's theories, influenced by German idealism, emphasized the complexity of the mind and the existence of unconscious thoughts and feelings. He believed that the mind was not completely rational and that people have limited self-control. Freud's ideas, such as the unconscious mind and defense mechanisms, have had a significant impact on psychology and paved the way for modern psychotherapy.
Unconscious mind and defense mechanisms
Freud argued that most of our thoughts and feelings are buried in the unconscious. The unconscious stores repressed memories that can trigger symptoms and behaviors. To cope with the conflicts between desires and societal norms, people develop defense mechanisms, which can protect them in the short term but also lead to later unhappiness and alienation.
Legacy of Freud
While not all of Freud's ideas are supported by modern research, his contributions to psychology cannot be discounted. He highlighted the importance of early childhood experiences and the role of the unconscious mind, which paved the way for further exploration and understanding of human behavior and mental processes.