Revised Final Narrative
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Revised Cover Letter: This was a very hard revision process. I was given very amazing comments by my peer editor but I was so rushed and confused about what to write about. The problem was me and I was limiting myself to other sources. I knew what I could fix and had recommendations, but yet I was never satisfied with my work. The Freud theory was heavy and deep and contained a lot of information that was beyond my teenage brain capacity. I also realized that I did not fully utilize my sources I found for the project narrative. I realized that I did not have to describe all of Freud’s theory so instead, I took parts of it that were essential to understanding how instincts play a role in decision making. I even found a new source which was quite helpful. I really felt that what I originally had was just explaining knowledge from Freud’s theories and talking about connections, but that did not make me feel good about my writing. I wanted to explore varying ways instincts help make decisions and what other aspects go with that. I was so pleased when I did a reverse outline because I was able to label my thoughts more concretely. That was so useful and really helped to work my thoughts out in a cohesive way.
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Life is filled with moments that define the meaning of existence for a person. These moments can range from small events like winning your first soccer game or a big event like graduating from high school. However, there are moments that test a person beyond thought. Moments that make you question who you are and who you will be. The thoughts that go into making decisions can feel mind boggling, and that is supposed to happen. Instincts can be defined as “instigation; impulse; prompting. Obsolete” (“Instinct, n1”). They are supposed to come naturally and almost occur in an instant, but the actuality of that happening is hard for people. As humans, we sometimes internalize situations in order to make out the good from the bad, but what if we were able to explore the human psyche and tap into the ability to forge a decision based on instincts?
For a long time, instincts have been looked at as a bad thing because instincts imply that the answer is circling in the mind and there is no need to think about it because we have already done the thinking to lead us to such instinct. The mind has already made an answer, but being able to effectively communicate that into the world is what makes decision making so hard. Emotions can outweigh the ability to make a logical and reasonable argument or decision, so we become lost in the moment as we are captivated by the rambling thoughts filling the mind. But, if we use instincts to guide our thinking, then we can change the mindset. However, instincts are not the only thing that matters in a stressful or overwhelming situation. When thinking about making a decision, people often feel a flood of emotions, but really, we should look at a person’s ability to deem a situation as something controllable or uncontrollable. Understanding if a situation can be controlled or not can be hard to admit, because we are so fixed on the outcome. However, in order to reach an outcome, we have to ask ourselves: is the situation (stressor) controlling me? Or, can I control it? Humans aren't the only living organism that does this, as there have been case studies where humans and animals are put into stressful situations that they have to find their way out of. In fact, when a situation is uncontrollable, the body tries to release stressor-relevant systems in order to manage the situation. The body is much more likely to do this when a situation is perceived as uncontrollable than when it can be controlled. For example, a rodent was able to emit lower levels of a stress hormone when it was able to control a situation (Kemeny, 2002). So, maybe instincts are not needed for a rodent, because their brain can understand the critical response element of a controlled situation. For humans, however, instincts can be overlooked when an immediate stressor presents itself as manipulatable, but other times instincts can be seen as a light into situations that question previously known rational thought.
While instincts may seem that they can only surface in moments of dire attention, instincts actually take place throughout one’s daily life like: what is for dinner pizza or pasta? A decision like dinner choices is fairly easy because that can be answered with what you really want or desire. The key word here is “desire,” which plays a large role in unconscious theory and this includes instinct theory. Sigmund Freud has for a long time been considered the father of psychoanalysis and modern psychology, and Freud’s work was heavily influenced by how instincts play a role in the unconscious. For Freud, he was heavily affected by rejecting the societal norms that existed during his time, and by doing so, he was able to explore an evolving sense of identity because he found new ways of viewing society that diverted from previous teachings. For example, sexuality was and is still considered a sacred value of religion, so Freud and others ultimately went against the previously implemented ideas from Catholicism, Puritan protestantism, and orthodox Judaism (Bocock). In the 21st century, there are still some negative implications of sexual relationships within society. For example, “one night stands” are considered irrational especially if the people have never met before, and it was a spur of the moment decision. But, after that one night, people tend to feel a sense of regret and think that their actions were not thought out clearly during the moment. So, a one night stand is categorized as irrational or breaking the long standing virtue of premarital sex (for some people) is seen as irrational as well. However, this has not always been the mentality for sex or really any aspect of society. While some sexual encounters are looked at as an irrational decision filled with ill thinking, the reality is that engaging in sexual relations was once considered rational. In other words, “many fully socialized people come to a rational decision to oppose some values in their culture (Bocock).” The impact of instinctual connections with desires and culture all adhered to Freud’s argument. An implication like this then allows individuals to see that even in times of opposition, one can make a rational decision, and not just make a decision based off of a whim.
Freud’s analysis took place through the examination of social norms and certain groups within civilizations. Freud created instinct theory which holds two main components: ego and sexual instincts and then eventually self-preservation. Along with this, Freud created death theory, which is very dark, but between sexual and death instincts, the two encapsulate varying aspects of life: human connection, narcissism, desire, etc . . . Sexual instincts holds root in one’s ability to preserve what they hold above anything else in the world: themselves. Therefore, in order to make a decision, one must question whether they seek to preserve their image (ego) and everything they take pleasure in, or, release their self-image. Moreover, sexual instincts are heavily influenced by the desires of an individual and the ability to attain the commodities that will satisfy the identity of a person. Death instincts really means destructive thoughts which is very contradicting to sexual instincts. While one instinct can be life affirming, another can be harmful to oneself as it is rooted in sorrow and pain. It should be noted that Freud was heavily influenced by trauma and the impact emotionally of certain events during his time. Freud’s theories provide a view into psychoanalysis and much of his work reflects the sorrow and pain surrounding him, so perhaps that is why his reasoning for instinct theory is dark, but the innate detail provides insight into the history of instinct theory under trying circumstances.
Another aspect of using instincts to make a decision is “weighing the options,” but that can be hard to visualize when faced with a question. Many people say just “go with your first instincts,” but where does that really get you? Something that goes hand in hand with instincts is intuition. Intuition is what helps you make decisions and can definitively decide on a proposal. In order to have an instinct, you have to be intuitive. However, our minds are all different. When someone makes a decision, there are two systems used to describe what is going on exactly. System one equals intuition (Hagstrom), which is an idea that is jumping right out of you. This idea is present without hesitation, and it makes sense for you. When someone asks you “what does your instinct say,” then they probably want you to answer with the first instinct that came to your mind instantly. This is how system one works in a lot of instances in the world today. However, there is system two and “system 2 is reflective (Hagstrom)”, which is slower and more controlled thinking. It is very common for people to be so absorbed in their system one brain that they forget reason, and that is when you become your worst enemy without even realizing it. System one can work for a person in order to get to the right answer, but system 2 is a more drawn out process. We should not just overlook the immediate instincts, but instead work on heightening the skills of system two. This is easier said than done, but the key thing to think about is the phrase we are told all the time from parents and teachers: “you are you and no other person is like you.” With that being said, some people use their intuitive thinking because that works for them and others use reflection to solve their problems. People use their intuitive thinking happen to work in areas where the outcome is predictable so there is not necessarily a need to drag on about a possible outcome when the answer has been seen before in similar conditions. So, in a moment like that, the first instinctual connection being made is rational because it fits the circumstance. When you think fast and respond without hesitation, you have a higher ability to take risks. Risk taking is good in life and we are told to take risks, but in order to do so we have to push past our instincts in order to make a decision.
Instincts play a role in the way one makes a decision, but it also plays a role in the formation of one’s identity. Our instincts, no matter how much they are about an external force, are really about self-preservation. How do we lead with reason and rational thinking that can, at the same time, guarantee the well-being of an individual? Honestly, this is not something to easily respond to, but, one should trust their own instincts and belief system even if it goes against a social construct. The true value of having an instinct is knowing that you can think and make a decision. Having an instinct means you have an idea about something and have already perceived some type of connection with it in your head. Reason is a large part of decision making, as you can either be right or wrong. It has to do with the manipulation of speed but it ultimately deals with the ability to think and trust your mind. Trusting yourself can promote a heightened appreciation for thinking and learning.
For a long time, instincts have been looked at as a bad thing because instincts imply that the answer is circling in the mind and there is no need to think about it because we have already done the thinking to lead us to such instinct. The mind has already made an answer, but being able to effectively communicate that into the world is what makes decision making so hard. Emotions can outweigh the ability to make a logical and reasonable argument or decision, so we become lost in the moment as we are captivated by the rambling thoughts filling the mind. But, if we use instincts to guide our thinking, then we can change the mindset. However, instincts are not the only thing that matters in a stressful or overwhelming situation. When thinking about making a decision, people often feel a flood of emotions, but really, we should look at a person’s ability to deem a situation as something controllable or uncontrollable. Understanding if a situation can be controlled or not can be hard to admit, because we are so fixed on the outcome. However, in order to reach an outcome, we have to ask ourselves: is the situation (stressor) controlling me? Or, can I control it? Humans aren't the only living organism that does this, as there have been case studies where humans and animals are put into stressful situations that they have to find their way out of. In fact, when a situation is uncontrollable, the body tries to release stressor-relevant systems in order to manage the situation. The body is much more likely to do this when a situation is perceived as uncontrollable than when it can be controlled. For example, a rodent was able to emit lower levels of a stress hormone when it was able to control a situation (Kemeny, 2002). So, maybe instincts are not needed for a rodent, because their brain can understand the critical response element of a controlled situation. For humans, however, instincts can be overlooked when an immediate stressor presents itself as manipulatable, but other times instincts can be seen as a light into situations that question previously known rational thought.
While instincts may seem that they can only surface in moments of dire attention, instincts actually take place throughout one’s daily life like: what is for dinner pizza or pasta? A decision like dinner choices is fairly easy because that can be answered with what you really want or desire. The key word here is “desire,” which plays a large role in unconscious theory and this includes instinct theory. Sigmund Freud has for a long time been considered the father of psychoanalysis and modern psychology, and Freud’s work was heavily influenced by how instincts play a role in the unconscious. For Freud, he was heavily affected by rejecting the societal norms that existed during his time, and by doing so, he was able to explore an evolving sense of identity because he found new ways of viewing society that diverted from previous teachings. For example, sexuality was and is still considered a sacred value of religion, so Freud and others ultimately went against the previously implemented ideas from Catholicism, Puritan protestantism, and orthodox Judaism (Bocock). In the 21st century, there are still some negative implications of sexual relationships within society. For example, “one night stands” are considered irrational especially if the people have never met before, and it was a spur of the moment decision. But, after that one night, people tend to feel a sense of regret and think that their actions were not thought out clearly during the moment. So, a one night stand is categorized as irrational or breaking the long standing virtue of premarital sex (for some people) is seen as irrational as well. However, this has not always been the mentality for sex or really any aspect of society. While some sexual encounters are looked at as an irrational decision filled with ill thinking, the reality is that engaging in sexual relations was once considered rational. In other words, “many fully socialized people come to a rational decision to oppose some values in their culture (Bocock).” The impact of instinctual connections with desires and culture all adhered to Freud’s argument. An implication like this then allows individuals to see that even in times of opposition, one can make a rational decision, and not just make a decision based off of a whim.
Freud’s analysis took place through the examination of social norms and certain groups within civilizations. Freud created instinct theory which holds two main components: ego and sexual instincts and then eventually self-preservation. Along with this, Freud created death theory, which is very dark, but between sexual and death instincts, the two encapsulate varying aspects of life: human connection, narcissism, desire, etc . . . Sexual instincts holds root in one’s ability to preserve what they hold above anything else in the world: themselves. Therefore, in order to make a decision, one must question whether they seek to preserve their image (ego) and everything they take pleasure in, or, release their self-image. Moreover, sexual instincts are heavily influenced by the desires of an individual and the ability to attain the commodities that will satisfy the identity of a person. Death instincts really means destructive thoughts which is very contradicting to sexual instincts. While one instinct can be life affirming, another can be harmful to oneself as it is rooted in sorrow and pain. It should be noted that Freud was heavily influenced by trauma and the impact emotionally of certain events during his time. Freud’s theories provide a view into psychoanalysis and much of his work reflects the sorrow and pain surrounding him, so perhaps that is why his reasoning for instinct theory is dark, but the innate detail provides insight into the history of instinct theory under trying circumstances.
Another aspect of using instincts to make a decision is “weighing the options,” but that can be hard to visualize when faced with a question. Many people say just “go with your first instincts,” but where does that really get you? Something that goes hand in hand with instincts is intuition. Intuition is what helps you make decisions and can definitively decide on a proposal. In order to have an instinct, you have to be intuitive. However, our minds are all different. When someone makes a decision, there are two systems used to describe what is going on exactly. System one equals intuition (Hagstrom), which is an idea that is jumping right out of you. This idea is present without hesitation, and it makes sense for you. When someone asks you “what does your instinct say,” then they probably want you to answer with the first instinct that came to your mind instantly. This is how system one works in a lot of instances in the world today. However, there is system two and “system 2 is reflective (Hagstrom)”, which is slower and more controlled thinking. It is very common for people to be so absorbed in their system one brain that they forget reason, and that is when you become your worst enemy without even realizing it. System one can work for a person in order to get to the right answer, but system 2 is a more drawn out process. We should not just overlook the immediate instincts, but instead work on heightening the skills of system two. This is easier said than done, but the key thing to think about is the phrase we are told all the time from parents and teachers: “you are you and no other person is like you.” With that being said, some people use their intuitive thinking because that works for them and others use reflection to solve their problems. People use their intuitive thinking happen to work in areas where the outcome is predictable so there is not necessarily a need to drag on about a possible outcome when the answer has been seen before in similar conditions. So, in a moment like that, the first instinctual connection being made is rational because it fits the circumstance. When you think fast and respond without hesitation, you have a higher ability to take risks. Risk taking is good in life and we are told to take risks, but in order to do so we have to push past our instincts in order to make a decision.
Instincts play a role in the way one makes a decision, but it also plays a role in the formation of one’s identity. Our instincts, no matter how much they are about an external force, are really about self-preservation. How do we lead with reason and rational thinking that can, at the same time, guarantee the well-being of an individual? Honestly, this is not something to easily respond to, but, one should trust their own instincts and belief system even if it goes against a social construct. The true value of having an instinct is knowing that you can think and make a decision. Having an instinct means you have an idea about something and have already perceived some type of connection with it in your head. Reason is a large part of decision making, as you can either be right or wrong. It has to do with the manipulation of speed but it ultimately deals with the ability to think and trust your mind. Trusting yourself can promote a heightened appreciation for thinking and learning.
Works Cited
Bocock, R. J. "Freud and the Centrality of Instincts in Psychoanalytic Sociology." The British Journal of Sociology, vol. 28, no. 4, 1977, pp. 467-80. JSTOR, doi:10.2307/589422. Accessed 13 Feb. 2020.
HAGSTROM, ROBERT G. Investing: The Last Liberal Art. 2nd ed., Columbia UP, 2013. JSTOR, doi:10.7312/hags16010. Accessed 13 Feb. 2020.
Kemeny, Margaret E. “The Psychobiology of Stress.” Current Directions in Psychological Science, vol. 12, no. 4, 2003, pp. 124–129. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/20182857. Accessed 15 May 2020.
Pronin, Emily. "When the Mind Races: Effects of Thought Speed on Feeling and Action." Current Directions in Psychological Science, vol. 22, no. 4, 2013, pp. 283-88. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/44318676.
OED: “Instinct, n1.” Oxford English Dictionary Online, May 2020, https://www.oed.com/view/Entry/97085?rskey=kOsoef&result=1#eid. Accessed 15 May 2020
Bocock, R. J. "Freud and the Centrality of Instincts in Psychoanalytic Sociology." The British Journal of Sociology, vol. 28, no. 4, 1977, pp. 467-80. JSTOR, doi:10.2307/589422. Accessed 13 Feb. 2020.
HAGSTROM, ROBERT G. Investing: The Last Liberal Art. 2nd ed., Columbia UP, 2013. JSTOR, doi:10.7312/hags16010. Accessed 13 Feb. 2020.
Kemeny, Margaret E. “The Psychobiology of Stress.” Current Directions in Psychological Science, vol. 12, no. 4, 2003, pp. 124–129. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/20182857. Accessed 15 May 2020.
Pronin, Emily. "When the Mind Races: Effects of Thought Speed on Feeling and Action." Current Directions in Psychological Science, vol. 22, no. 4, 2013, pp. 283-88. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/44318676.
OED: “Instinct, n1.” Oxford English Dictionary Online, May 2020, https://www.oed.com/view/Entry/97085?rskey=kOsoef&result=1#eid. Accessed 15 May 2020