Freud's primal horde: fact or fiction?
Article
Article Title | Freud's primal horde: fact or fiction? |
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Article Category | Article |
Authors | |
Author | Farley, Helen |
Editors | Farley, Helen S. |
Journal Title | Khthonios: A Journal for the Study of Religion |
Journal Citation | 1 (1), pp. 32-42 |
Number of Pages | 11 |
Year | 2003 |
Place of Publication | Brisbane, Australia |
Abstract | The existence of the 'primal horde' is central to Sigmund Freud's theories on the beginnings of totemism and incest taboo in humankind. In this paper, I begin by considering Freud's theory and examining his sources, namely J. J. Atkinson and in particular, Charles Darwin. By Freud's own admission, the 'primal horde' had never been observed. I investigate the possibility that such a social structure ever existed. I consider the evidence as sourced from Charles Darwin and examine the possibility that Darwin's words were misinterpreted. Freud's idea of the 'primal horde' was generally accepted in anthropological circles early in the twentieth century as evidenced by Geza Roheim's enthusiastic support. I review how this theory lost favour in later times by considering the opinion of William Schmidt. |
Keywords | Freud; religion; primal horde; taboo; totem |
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020 | 440107. Social and cultural anthropology |
500405. Religion, society and culture | |
441005. Social theory | |
Public Notes | Files associated with this item cannot be displayed due to copyright restrictions. |
Byline Affiliations | University of Queensland |
Institution of Origin | University of Southern Queensland |
https://research.usq.edu.au/item/q1y21/freud-s-primal-horde-fact-or-fiction
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