Volume VI is the sixth volume of this seven volume work that gives the reader the philosophical and scientific foundation of some of the main psychological theories of our time. The Synthesis then gives a casual review of five of the major psychological theories and integrates these theories with insights from the authoritative spiritual leaders of different spiritual disciplines. Finally, in the last volume, The Synthesis gives Existential Eddie’s Theory of Everything. That is, the synthesis of the evolution of our philosophical, scientific, psychological, and spiritual ideas.
In Volume VI, The Synthesis discusses the following theories: The Psychoanalytic Theory of Sigmund Freud, The Individual Theory of Alfred Adler, and the Biological Theory of Richard Dawkins. These theories, clearly written and simple to understand can lead you to a better understanding of yourself and others. From the explanations of these theories you can develop a few tools you can use in helping others.
Below is an excerpt from Volume VI.
Psychoanalytic Thought
Even though most social workers, therapists and ordinary people are not trained in psychoanalysis, we can effectively use some of Sigmund Freud’s ideas. In fact, we use them all the time.
No time
Freud was probably influenced by phenomenology, for he dealt largely with pre-rational existence. An unconscious phenomenon is a pre-rational phenomenon—an aspect of life untouched by thoughts and paradigms. It doesn’t even dwell within the confines of time. In the unconscious, events that happened in childhood can be just as significant as if they happened yesterday.
Levels of consciousness
We can envision our mystical inner being, which includes thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and decisions, as occupying three levels:
- Totally unconscious. We are totally unaware of the phenomenon—for example, suppressed memories, decisions, and beliefs.
- Subconscious. We are generally unaware of the inner phenomena, but we have glimpses of them, especially during free association of ideas, dreams, and feelings. Subconscious phenomena are often easily brought to the level of consciousness.
- Conscious. We are aware of the phenomena and can experience them and influence them through thought and free will decisions.
As a thought experiment regarding the subconscious mind, think about your grandmother—right now! This memory of your grandmother wasn’t in your consciousness and wasn’t totally unconscious. It was in your subconscious mind.