Duality: definition for Psychoanalysis

George Alvarez 18-10-2023
George Alvarez

For everything and everyone in this life, there is an inherent internal battle that permeates existence. In fact, nothing is perfect and balanced, since we are creatures made of the results of layers of choices and decisions. Find here the definition of duality given by Psychoanalysis and understand how it affects our lives.

What is duality?

According to Psychoanalysis, a duality is the ideological construction that there are opposing forces acting on the same object The philosophical idea proposes that two completely different realities continuously act on the same point, affecting the way it is constructed. This would complement its identity as a living being.

See_also: Fear of Clowns: meaning, causes, and how to treat

Psychoanalysis also states that duality is an irreducible event in itself. Given its nature, the sides that form it do not find a common path to follow There is no way to reach a consensus, because opposing views and actions do not complement each other and do not reach an end point.

In proposing that two segmented existences in opposite directions are confronting each other, there is no way to construct a subordination of one to the other This is because the forces, even though different in nature, are equal in intensity It is as if two magnets tried to come together, but could not bring their different ends together. Only when one gives way can the union be effected.

History of Duality

The idea of duality was already in the manuscripts made by Plato, coming from the ideas of Aristotle and Socrates. The philosophers stated that human intelligence was incapable of uniting itself to the physical body. This was because our soul or spirit faculty did not fit as a palpable reality. This is configured as a break from physical reality, something unthinkable in dualism .

Still, the best publicized idea came from Christian Wolff, who migrated the concept of the word to the body and soul relationship. In his words, anyone who admits the existence of spiritual and material From this, he opened the way for Descartes, who at the end concluded the recognition of both corporeal and spiritual substances.

On this path, metaphysics indicates that our reality is made up of two different substances: the sensible reality, composed of material and visible substances, and the non-physical reality, shown as immaterial, made of mind and spirit. This reminds us of the connection man has with religions, for example .

Features

Duality is a proposal from philosophy to understand adverse and equally complementary mechanisms of existence Despite its form, it carries some threads that differentiate it from other theories, and it is thanks to this that we can study it with greater clarity. Here are some basic characteristics of duality:

Opposition

Simply put, we indicate that there is a natural opposition in the components to be seen. This is because their essences oppose each other all the time In fiction and literature, for example, we can point to the continuous and cyclical existence of the idea of good and evil.

Irreducibility

Without a common result to unite these forces, they cannot come to an understanding Because of this contradiction, they do not give in at any moment. Since they are equal forces, they end up bending with continuous and tireless effort. None will win or lose, which creates a path of almost infinite potential.

Criticism

The concept of dualism approached by some philosophers was much criticized by Anne Conway. The English philosopher pointed out that there was a proximity between matter and spirit, where they connect. In this way, she claims that there is a real interaction between these two aspects, and not an opposition as Descartes proposed .

Thus, Anne argued that matter and spirit were no different from each other. They were totally capable of changing the nature of their complement. Going further, proposed that matter could become spirit and the latter could materialize In his view, dualism had no consistency in defending the distinction between two fundamental aspects.

Based on this, we can bring the idea of death to defend what was proposed by Anne. We live under a living, physical flesh for decades. However, when we die, according to some religions, our spirit is set free. furthermore, that same spirit is able to find a new flesh and connect with it What we call "reincarnation".

Read Also: Distress: The Top 20 Symptoms and Treatments

Examples of Duality

Although the above work seems complicated to understand, there are practical examples from our daily life that explain it better. The relationship between matter and essence is cyclical, where one interferes with the other. Although they do not give way completely, each one is capable of provoking changes or deviations. Observe:

Anxiety

It is common for someone to have anxiety crises in times of tension. We can notice how your insecurity with conflicts that don't exist, but that you believe are real in the future, affects your body. See that nothing is tangible or at least true, but still there is a feeling of tightness, suffocation and fear .

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Another phenomenon where duality can be seen is in obsessive-compulsive disorder. Excessive and abundant thoughts cause the material body to make repetitive actions By believing in abstract consequences of disorganization, for example, the individual has trouble accepting an out-of-place object at home.

I want information to enroll in the Psychoanalysis Course .

Neurasthenia

Neurasthenia is when the nervous system begins to crack, resulting in physical and mental fatigue. Among the symptoms, we can list fatigue and mental weakness while the body is restless Note that it is curious how the disorder manifests itself - even though your mind asks for rest, your body remains irritated, a clear example of dualism.

Duality Today

Duality proposes a complex mechanics for understanding the reality in which we live. Joining what we have in hand to an abstract field seems a difficult task when we have a unilateral vision of the world. However, that is exactly what this idea indicates: the union of spirit meeting matter .

Even if its nature ends without a conclusion, the circular motion of these forces does lead to a result Through dualistic interaction, an existence can choose between good and evil.

See_also: What is Homiletics? Meaning and Applications

Concluding Remarks

Finally, the dimension of a theme as vast as this one demands a richer and more complete reflection. How about extending your limit and enrolling in our 100% online Psychoanalysis course? We believe this will give you a greater perception of the proposal presented, enriching your point of view. And believe us, this is only the beginning of your journey.

Our Psychoanalysis course has one of the richest contents of today. Through it, you dive into the fundamentals and theories that have accompanied Psychoanalysis since its birth. This helps you think about how each path is chosen and worked out, in order to challenge constraints that seem unbreakable.

Online classes are more convenient, allowing you to study when and where you want. Don't worry, the teachers will be on hand to help you whenever you need it on any topic, even on the concept of duality. Remember that the psychoanalysis course with certificate and a very attractive price has limited vacancies.

George Alvarez

George Alvarez is a renowned psychoanalyst who has been practicing for over 20 years and is highly regarded in the field. He is a sought-after speaker and has conducted numerous workshops and training programs on psychoanalysis for professionals in the mental health industry. George is also an accomplished writer and has authored several books on psychoanalysis that have received critical acclaim. George Alvarez is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and expertise with others and has created a popular blog on Online Training Course in Psychoanalysis that is widely followed by mental health professionals and students around the world. His blog provides a comprehensive training course that covers all aspects of psychoanalysis, from theory to practical applications. George is passionate about helping others and is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of his clients and students.