The main question Freud tries to answer in his Civilization and Its Discontents arises from the
ambivalence he observes we all feel towards civilization and culture. What is Freud’s general
understanding of the role and function of civilization? Why does Freud believe we might be justifiably
surprised by this ambivalence? How does Freud ultimately come to make sense of the tension between
individuals and culture? What specific role does his idea of the death drive (i.e., the aggressive
instinct) play in these conclusions? (In your discussion, be sure to address the ways in which the aims
of civilization can both work with and be in tension with the aims of the individual psyche.)
Do you find his arguments and conclusions persuasive? If so, why? If not, why not?
