SIGMUND FREUD ON HUMAN RELIGIOSITY

Abstract

Within the field of humanities, the doctrine of Sigmund Freud holds a unique position, as psychoanalytic theory was the first to provide a systematic interpretation of unconscious processes as the driving force behind human behavior, culture, and creativity. In an era marked by crises of identity and values, Freudian analysis of the unconscious has regained significance, offering tools for understanding both personal and collective psychological conflicts. This study reconsiders Freud’s psychoanalysis within the contemporary sociocultural context, emphasizing its relevance for modern philosophy, ethics, and aesthetics. The aim of the research is to provide a theoretical reflection on the key principles of Freud’s psychoanalysis and to analyze their influence on contemporary humanitarian thought – particularly in the interpretation of human behavior, social morality, and artistic expression. Methodology. The research is based on historical-philosophical, cultural, and analytical approaches. Hermeneutic methods were applied to the interpretation of Freud’s texts; comparative analysis was used to juxtapose his ideas with those of modern philosophers and psychologists; and a systematic generalization method helped to determine the place of psychoanalysis within current theoretical discourse. Results. The study demonstrates that Freud’s concept of the unconscious continues to influence contemporary humanities, especially in cultural studies, art analysis, and political ideologies. The notions of drives, repression, and sublimation remain essential for explaining motivation, social conflicts, and creative processes. Modern cultural dynamics reveal new manifestations of the same psychic mechanisms that Freud identified as fundamental to human behavior. Conclusions. Freud’s philosophy continues to serve as a vital intellectual foundation for contemporary research, preserving its relevance as a theoretical instrument for analyzing the deep structures of personality and society. Understanding the unconscious as the basis of human behavior allows for a deeper comprehension of the moral and cultural contradictions of modernity. The practical significance of this research lies in the application of psychoanalytic principles to the interpretation of social processes, the development of ethical awareness, and the enrichment of humanistic education.