Comparison of the Theories of Sigmund Freud and Emile Durkheim on Religion The WritePass Journal

Comparison of the Theories of Sigmund Freud and Emile Durkheim on Religion Abstract Comparison of the Theories of Sigmund Freud and Emile Durkheim on Religion AbstractIntroductionDifferent Routes to the Core of a DelusionConclusionReferencesRelated Abstract This paper examines the works of Sigmund Freud and Emile Durkheim on religion, looking at how both theorists essentially viewed religion as serving an integral role in human culture. In particular, this essay considers how both theorist consider religious believers to be mistaken in their ontological beliefs, and the rational causes for this. Introduction While both Sigmund Freud and Emile Durkheim are concerned with the study of human behaviour as it relates to culture, each does so from within distinct traditions. In terms of religion, Freud’s approach belongs to the psychological tradition, while Durkheim puts forward a sociological approach. In the Freudian view, human behaviour is largely driven by inborn and intangible â€Å"drives†, working in the unconscious. Such phenomena are not directly observable, that is, they are non-empirical; they must consequently be inferred, and as such are conjectural. Durkheim’s sociological method, on the other hand, utilises direct empirical observations of social phenomena (rites, rituals, customs, et cetera), looking to account for the impetus behind and purpose of group behaviour. Hence Freud is concerned with obscure, intangible internal phenomena, whereas Durkheim is concerned with overt and tangible external phenomena. Evidently, the theoretical positions in question to a degree divide between internal and external motivations. Different Routes to the Core of a Delusion Durkheim posits a direct connection between environmental variables, the way groups interact with such variables, and how this interaction is perceived by individual members of said group. There is a mode of cyclical reflexivity in this dynamic: this means people â€Å"living together in society generate rules which are felt by any individual member as acting on him from outside, as having a force which he feels as both uplifting and constraining† (Scharf 1970, 151). This force, Durkheim argues, is an externalisation of conventions peculiar to the group; that are perceived as exogenous but which are in fact endogenous. This tendency to externalise, Durkheim suggests, derives from the natural human desire to ascribe meaning to experience, to seek a pattern in the natural order. Thus, as Kunin states, religion likewise â€Å"is an externalisation of society and its order† and speaks to the â€Å"dialectic relationship between the individual and society† (2003, 82). Religion, then, provides for an externalised object onto which collective emotion can be projected; this is ultimately reflexive because the externalisation at root represents the people themselves. As a result, to honour religious custom is indirectly to honour the group. This is why for Durkheim religious experience serves to strengthen group cohesion and bonding. Freud’s understanding of religion is somewhat pejorative. Connolly observes that Freud noticed â€Å"the connection between abnormal psychological conditions and religion† (1991, 146): which observation he expanded upon in his study â€Å"Obsessive acts and Religious Practices† (1907). As the paper’s title suggests, Freud drew a connection between psychological abnormality and religious practice, noting a resemblance between â€Å"what are called obsessive acts in neurotics and those religious observances by means of which the faithful give expression to their piety† (17). In turn, Freud perceived religion, like neurosis, as symptomatic of deep-seated psychological issues. In the words of Gallucci, â€Å"Freud saw religion as a collective neurotic symptom, an obsessional neurosis† (2001, 76). This â€Å"neurosis†, according to psychoanalytic theory, comes about as a defence mechanism against feelings of helplessness which obtain in a d ispassionate cosmos. Hence the need for a cosmic father figure, who, as a parent comforts the child, palliates the religious subject with conciliatory notions (about purpose, meaning, boundaries, rewards, and so on). This entire dynamic apparently stems from Oedipal anxieties, where â€Å"each person grows up with a sense of foreboding toward a father figure who is both feared and loved†; this, it follows, â€Å"becomes the basis for the cosmic father figure, who offers protection and salvation but in the meantime needs to be appeased by devotion and sacrifice† (Clarke 2002, 43). In Freud’s mind, religion therefore constitutes a surrogate parent. On the surface, Freud and Durkheim proffer two seemingly quite different explanations for religion. Importantly, while these theories are not overtly complementary, nor are they mutually exclusive. Indeed, significant parallels may be drawn between each approach. For example, both both theorists argued that religion is an important factor in community cohesion (Scharf 1970, 155); both agree that â€Å"religion is central to any cultural analysis† (Ginsburg and Pardes 2006, 220); and, thus, both hold that â€Å"that the cognitive roots of religious belief are to be found in social experience† (Spiro 1987, 202). These similarities are significant and, moreover, point to one common determinant: that the underlying basis of religious convictions are contrary to what believers suppose. For Durkheim, the real driving force behind religion is social cohesion; for Freud, the impetus is psychological assuagement. In either case, social unity and mental wellbeing obtain, only for slightly different conceptual reasons. From the above, one might argue that Freud and Durkheim share significant overarching perspectives on religion while holding markedly different structural viewpoints on how and why religion functions. Freud is concerned with psychological structures; Durkheim with sociological structures. Freud believes religion works to console believers from the ultimate anxiety of a meaningless cosmos. Durkheim believes religion provides for a canvas on which social phenomena can be externalised and then re-accommodated as an exogenous entity. Again, both modes of behaviour essentially work to the same purpose: instilling a sense of meaning in human life. At this stage, one might consider the ways in which Freudian theory could compensate for shortfalls in the work of Durkheim and vice versa. For instance, Durkheim offers little in the way of early psychological developmental insights, into the religious process; yet there is no reason that early anxiety (of an Oedipal nature) could not cohere with Durkheimian ideas. Indeed, such anxiety and the consequent potential for neurosis could suggest an even greater need for group cohesion: as a way of reifying the delusion through consensus, thus alleviating the anxiety. Again, this would chime with Durkheim’s understanding that religion is â€Å"a unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things [. . .] which unite in one single moral community called a Church† (cited in Gain 2010, 39). By the same token, Freud’s limitations could perhaps be overcome with reference to some of Durkheim’s insights. Scharf notes a â€Å"weakness of Freudian theory† in that it â€Å"does little to explain [the] variety† in articulations of paternity and fraternity within religious discourse , advising that, here, â€Å"Durkheim’s structural approach has more value† (1970, 154). Accordingly we see that a synthesis of theoretical approaches may not only be possible but highly advantageous. Conclusion Freud and Durkheim take very different roads to arrive at more or less the same destination. For this reason, significant and consistent core elements may be identified between their works. These include the fundamental belief that religion serves an explicable, material, social purpose which is essentially external to theological concerns; that religious believers are at base mistaken in their beliefs (insomuch as these beliefs are connected to cosmic phenomena beyond the rationally explicable); that, it follows, religion is the irrational articulation of an ultimately rational cause (anxiety or clan behaviour); that religion can function as a surrogate or projection of humanity – reformed with divine auspices; and that, finally, religion is an integral element of human culture. What is fundamentally different in these two authors is their methodological priorities. Each man comes from a very distinct tradition. Put simply, Freud and Durkheim were engaged in different discipl ines; as a result, their pursuits were orientated differently The reason Freud and Durkheim’s works are compared at all is that the realms of the sociological and of the psychological possess mutual territory: the grounds of culture. Both theorists have their limitations. Durkheim can be accused of being over reductive and simplistic. Social structure may not be enough to account for every aspect of religion. Psychological, cognitive and other inborn factors may also have a large part to play. Freud, on the other hand, may place too much onus on the unconscious drives in dictating religious experience. After all, religion is so varied and complex, it might be argued, to defy any wholesale theory to explain it away. What, for example, do we make of religions in which there is no â€Å"father figure† proper; or religions which proclaim no deity at all? Clearly there are unanswered questions on both sides of the aisle. Perhaps a hybrid methodology that adopted a syncretic approach to the study of religion might help answer these ques tions. After all, it seems to be the case that both Freud and Durkheim arrived at crucial insights into the social and psychological determinants that drive religion. References Clarke, P. J. (2002) Explaining Philosophy and Ethics. Cheltenham: Nelson Thomas. Connolly, P. (1991) â€Å"Psychological Approaches†. In: Connolly, P. ed. Approaches to the Study of Religion. New York: Continuum, pp. 135-193. Durkheim, E. (1912). The Elementary Forms of Religious Life. (J. Swain, Trans.) New York: The Free Press. Freud, S. (1907) â€Å"Obsessive Acts and Religious Practices†. In: J Strachey (ed. and trans.) Standard Edition of the Complete Psychological Works of Sigmund Freud. London: Hogarth Press. Gain, M., 2010. On Durkheim’s Rules of Sociological Method (Routledge Revivals). New York: Routledge. Gallucci, G. M., 2001. Plato and Freud: Statesmen of the Soul. Philadelphia: Xlibris. Ginsburg, R. Pardes, L., 2006. New Perspectives on Freuds Moses and Monotheism. Tà ¼bingen: Niemeyer. Kunin, S. D., 2003. Religion: The Modern Theories. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press. Scharf, B. R., 1970. â€Å"Durkheimian and Freudian Theories of Religion: The Case of Judaism†, The British Journal of Sociology, Vol. 21. 2 (June), pp. 151-163. Spiro, M. E., 1987. Culture and Human Nature. New Brunswick, NJ: Transaction.

Should You Spend Your Summer at Sports Camp Pros and Cons

Should You Spend Your Summer at Sports Camp Pros and Cons SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips Are you an athlete? Thinking seriously about playing a sport in college? Or just love playing for fun? Consider attending a college-based summer sports camp! Get more playing time in and meet like-minded athletes with a passion for your sport. In this article, I’ll explain what college-basedsports camps are, discuss the costs, give you some examples, and help you decide if you’d like to attend. What Are College-Based Summer Sports Camps? College-based summer sports camps are camps at which you play a specific sport.They're offered by colleges but are open toalmost all ages from 5 years old through the end of high school.These camps vary in time length (from a few hours to several days long).Some camps are day camps (where you commute from home to attend the camp), but other camps are residential (where you live on campus at the camp location). At these camps, you’ll likely be coached by one of the college’s team coaches. You’ll run drills, learn technique, and play against the other campers.These college-based camps all must operate according to NCAA rules. All camps are open to anyone who’d like to attend.There are no requirements for entry other than that you’re in the age range for your camp of choice and can afford to pay the cost.I’ll discuss the costs later on. Why are these college-based sports camps open to anyone who’d like to attend?It’s part of the NCAA rules.If schools want potential recruits to attend their sports camps, they also have to allow other students who are interested to be able to attend the camp.Additionally, NCAA rules don’t allow summer camps to provide scholarships on the basis of athletic ability.However, programs can offer scholarships based on financial need (I’ll discuss this more in the costs section). What is the purpose of these camps for colleges? Most colleges run theses camps to attract top athletes to come to their college and play for their teams.While the camps are open to anyone, the reason colleges run them is to find young athletes and get them interested in attending their school.By introducing potential college athletes to the school coach and the team, colleges can get them excited about playing for that school.Also, it gives the coach a chance to help guide these young athletes to become better, more disciplined players while they’re still in high school.Other colleges(especially smaller schools or those who don't have outstanding teams) may justuse these camps as a revenue source without giving players a ton of opportunities for recruitment. What is the purpose of these camps for players?Asa player, you should want to attend a sports camp to tryto get the attention of college recruiters, to improve at a sport you love, or to do both. What Sports Are Offered at College Sports Camps? The sports offered at thesecamps range dramatically from traditional sports such as football or basketballto unique sports such as fencing. Here’s a list of all of the sports that I’ve seen offered at summer sports camps: Baseball Basketball Diving Fencing Field Hockey Football Ice Hockey Lacrosse Rowing Soccer Squash Strength and Conditioning Swimming Tennis Volleyball Water Polo Wrestling NOTE: the sports offered will vary by college. To locate a program for a sport you’re interested in, I recommend doing a Google search for â€Å"College [Sport Name] Summer Sports Camp† (such as College Fencing Summer Sports Camps), OR if you’re want to see if a sport is offered at a specific school, you can do a Google search for â€Å"[School Name] Summer Sports Camps† (such as Brown University Summer Sports Camps). What Do You Do AtCollege Sports Camps? At these sports camps, you’re coached by either the actual Varsity head coach at that college or by one of the athletes or member of the athletic department.Again, this will vary by program, so you may want toconduct a Google search to find whowill be coaching a specific sports camp. At all of these camps, you spend time on training activities (for example, running drills) and time playing the sport.At certain camps, you’ll also spend time focusing on strategy. Some camps (such as UC Irvine’s soccer camp) bring in coaches from other colleges to watch you play and have workshops that talk to you about how to be recruited to play a sport and how to maintain academic eligibility.The exact itinerary varies by program. Here’s what a daily itinerary might look like (from UC Irvine’s soccer camp): 7:30-8:30AM BREAKFAST (Residents only) 8:30AM COMMUTER DROP OFF 9:00-11:00AM SESSION 1: Technical Drills 11:30AM-12:30PM: LUNCH (All campers) 12:30-2:00PM: BREAK 2:30-4:30PM: SESSION 2: Tactical Strategies 5:00-6:00PM: DINNER (All campers) 6:30-8:00PM: MATCH PLAY (playing in teams) 8:30-9:15PM: COLLEGE RECRUITING 101 Seminar 9:30PM: COMMUTER PICK UP 11:00PM: LIGHTS OUT Logistics: Costs, Financial Aid, and How to Apply Prices can range from $100 to $1000.Price varies drastically by program and program length. A one-day or half-day commuter program will be less expensive (around $100-$200), while 5-day long residential camps will be more expensive (around $800-$1000).Again, do a Google search to locate a specific program, and the cost should be listed on that program website. These prices are low compared to other summer camps, and I think there are a few reasons: These camps generally don’t offer â€Å"extracurricular† activities (such as trips to local museums or sporting events). These camps likely cost less to run since they’re using readily available facilities (the facilities they already use for their sports team). Also, these camps don’t need to hire their camp staff, since their staff is simply the team coach (the coach’s salary likely includes pay for the camp). These camps also probably keep costs low to allow many people to attend. Colleges may subsidize their camps (or run them at zero profit, i.e. charge only what it costs them) in order to attract top athletes from all socioeconomic conditions. Is Financial Aid Available? As I briefly mentioned before, NCAA rules prohibit college sports summer camps from providing scholarships on the basis of athletic ability.However, some summer sports programs can offer scholarships based on financial need.This varies by college and program. Look up a specific program through Google to see their financial aid availability. Traditionally, only high school students who qualify for federal financial aid programs (such as free or reduced lunch) qualify for financial aid. However, check with the specific program to be sure. Furthermore, due to NCAA rules, no third party can pay for your sports camp fee. For example, a family friend can’t pay for your summer camp fee.The fees must be paid by your legal guardian.This is a precaution set up by the NCAA to avoid having alumni secretly pay the fee for you to attend the summer camp as a way of trying to persuadeyou toattend that college and play that sport there in the future. How to Apply to a College Summer Sports Camp According to NCAA regulations (for college programs), there can be no requirements to attend the program other than meeting the age qualification and paying the fee to attend. However, sign up early because programs often have a limit on the number of students that can attend the camp.Sign up through the program website. Again, you can find a specific program through a simple Google search for â€Å"College [Sport Name] Summer Sports Camp† (such as College Fencing Summer Sports Camps) or â€Å"[School Name] Summer Sports Camps† (such as Brown University Summer Sports Camps). Program Examples Colleges across the country offer summer sports camps. You can attend this type of camp atDivision I colleges(such as UC Irvine,Brown, and Princeton),Division II colleges (such as Palm Beach Atlantic University), andDivision III colleges(such asJohns Hopkins University). Search for a specific school through Google by typing in â€Å"[School Name] Summer Sports Camp† (such as Yale University Summer Sports Camp) to see if they offer a sports camp. What Are the Benefits of Attending a College Sports Camp? If you’re hoping to play a college sport and decide to attend a college summer sports camp, this is a great way to get in front of a coach at a school you’re interested in playing for.It also gives you a chance to try out the school to see if you like the school and the coach.Additionally, it gives you a chance to play the sport with a different coach and teammates than usual, which will make you a more flexible and better player. If you’re not hoping to play a college sport and decide to attend a college summer sports camp, it’s still a great opportunity!You’ll get to try out a college you’re interested in while making friends and getting great exercise.Additionally, lots of colleges say they like to see you showed a real interest in their school.Well, participating ata sports camp at their college shows you’re really serious about attending their school! How toChoose a Camp If You'reTrying to Get Recruited If your goal for attending a summer sports camp is to get recruited, you need to do a lot of research before choosing a camp. Once you've identified a few campsyou'd like to attend (using the method mentioned above),I have four research tips: Tip #1: Figure out who does the actual coaching at the camp! Call the summer sports camp you're interested in to ask who the coach is.If you're going to spend your time and money on a program,you want to make sure you're being coached by the head coach (or, at least, high-ranking members of the coaching staff). Tip #2: Find out how many other kids will attend the camp. When you call the office, make sure you find out how many campers will be there. You want to find a camp with a small camper to coach ratio. Some camps have 100 or more campers at each session; others only have 20. Try to look for the smaller programs where you'll have more face time with the coach. Tip #3: Find out how old your fellow campers willbe. You should be able to find this on the summer sports camp website, but if not call the office to ask. You want to attend a summer sports camp that is exclusively for high school athletes. You do NOT want to attend a camp open to all ages; otherwise, coaches may be busy babysitting younger players and may not pay close attention to you. Tip #4: Ask if any of the college's current players attended the camp. Obviously, schools that have players who attended the camp are more likely to recruit you from their camp! Be wary of colleges where none of the players attended the camp. Alternatives to College-Based Summer Sports Camps In this article, I focused on college-based sports camps, but you should know that there are also private and local parks recreation department sports camps to attend if you decide that a college-based sports camp isn’t for you. Private sports camps are organized by private companies such as Nike or simply by individuals (in my hometown, a former MLB baseball player had started a private summer baseball camp).At these private sports camps, you’ll also run drills and play the sport.However, you likely won’t be coached by a college coach (though some of these camps do hire college coaches). You’ll more likely be coached by a former professional athlete, former high school athlete, or high school coach.These camps vary in time and price. Some of these camps are a single day while some are multiple week residential or non-residential programs.The residential (sleepaway camp style)programs are typically based at a university (although they're run by a private organization). The schedule is usually identical to a daily commuter sports camp; however, overnight campers are provided all meals, housing, and usually have the opportunity to play more (since they can play after dinner).Find a private summer sports campin your area by conducting a Google Search for â€Å"[Town Name] summer sports camp.† In addition to college-based and private summer sports camps, most parks departments offer summer sports programs.These programs are essentially the same as private sports camps (exceptthey don’t offer residential options). Look at your local parks department website to see what sports camps are offered in your area.Locate your local parks department website by searching Google for â€Å"[Town Name] parks recreation department.† No matter who hosts it, attending asummer sports camp is a great experience. You’ll get to have a lot of fun, make friends, exercise, and play a sport you love! What’s Next? If you’re interested in a summer program for high school students, you should check out the Emory Pre-College Program. If you’re interested in playing a sport in college, you should learn about the different sports levels. Check out our complete list of NCAA Division 1 colleges, complete list of NCAA Division 2 colleges, and complete list of NCAA Division 3 colleges. Want to improve your SAT score by 240 points or your ACT score by 4 points?We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now: