Belief Doubt and the Modern Mind

Freud, Nietzsche & Russell

The Discovery and Realization of the Self in the Philosophies of Bertrand Russell, Sigmund Freud and Friedrich Nietzsche

With the emergence of nineteenth and twentieth centuries, human history had been introduced to new philosophies that seek to celebrate individualism and the intelligence of human beings. From the philosophical discourses proposed by Sigmund Freud, Bertrand Russell, and Friedrich Nietzsche, it becomes evident that there no longer exists subsistence to religious idols and personalities, which had been the prevalent ideology and philosophy among societies in human history's early history until the 18th century.

In the texts that follow, this paper discusses and analyzes the philosophies of the three philosophers cited earlier. With references to the following texts, "Thus spake Zarathustra" by Friedrich Nietzsche, "Why I am not a Christian" by Bertrand Russell, and "Lecture 35: A philosophy of life" by Sigmund Freud, this paper argues that the philosophers' belief in the worth of human intelligence and capacity to achieve an understanding that goes beyond what constitutes knowledge and truth known in human society at present. That is, Freud, Russell, and Nietzsche believe that there is no substitute for human intelligence in achieving greater understanding and determining an individual's meaning and purpose in life.

This thesis is addressed by subscribing to the individualist perspective, wherein this ideology believes in the self-discovery and self-realization of the individual as the key towards achieving knowledge and happiness in life, as well as achieving social harmony and unity within society -- that is, the achievement for the common good.

In Freud's "Lecture 35: A philosophy of life," the psychologist presents his thoughts and opinions about science of psychology, and how he considers science as the best path towards understanding the human psyche than religion and the arts. Prior to discussing his comparative analysis of the sciences, philosophy, arts, and religion, Freud first introduces the concept of "Weltanschauung." He identifies this term based on his own explanation, for he qualifies that this concept, if interpreted in English, would not capture its real essence. Thus, he identifies "Weltanschauung" as " ... An intellectual construction which gives a unified solution of all the problems of our existence in virtue of a comprehensive hypothesis, a construction, therefore, in which no question is left open and in which everything in which we are interested finds a place ... "

In introducing this concept, Freud conveys the message to his readers that through the science of psychology, individuals can explore the true nature of being human. This is because science is devoid of the abstraction of discourses put forth by philosophy, the subjective interpretation of reality expressed in the arts, or the appeal of emotion to individuals that religion elicits from its principles and beliefs. Thus, Freud expresses his belief that it is only though an empirical observation of the human psyche that shall truly uncover the nature of humanity, which is evident in the psychologist's formulation of the psychoanalytical theory.

In Russell's "Why I am not a Christian," he elucidates his opinion about his disagreement over the philosophies and beliefs of Christians, which he posits as "purely" dogmatic -- that is, based on the religious beliefs of people and not perceived through sensory experience. This distinction about knowledge obtained between sensory experience and religious belief is also reflected in Freud's earlier discussion about the importance of science in pursuing the path of self-realization and -- discovery. Russell contends that belief must be constructed through one's reality and not based on 'realities' dictated by religious philosophy. He further criticizes religion, especially Christianity, as a hindrance towards achieving self-discovery, primarily because it limits the potential of the individual to further explore activities and behavior that will help promote personal and intellectual development. Russell proves as example the inherent limitation that Christianity brings to its followers as the religion forbids people to question the existence of god, as well as other abstract concepts introduced in Christianity. These limitations, in effect, Christianity had hindered humanity's innate pursuit for the truth and knowledge, and died within him/her the right to create his/her own meaning and path towards living a fulfilling life.