Exam 2: Freud: Classical Psychoanalysis

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Instincts are innate, automatic behaviors that are essential for the survival and well-being of an organism. There are four basic aspects of instincts that are important to understand:

1. Genetic Basis: Instincts are genetically programmed behaviors that are inherited from one's parents. These behaviors are passed down through generations and are essential for the survival of the species. For example, the instinct to seek food, water, and shelter are all genetically based behaviors that are essential for an organism's survival.

2. Universal Nature: Instincts are universal in nature, meaning that they are present in all members of a species. This means that all members of a species will exhibit the same instinctual behaviors in response to certain stimuli. For example, all members of a species will have the instinct to flee from danger or to protect their offspring.

3. Adaptive Function: Instincts have an adaptive function, meaning that they help an organism to adapt to its environment and increase its chances of survival. For example, the instinct to seek food and water helps an organism to meet its basic needs, while the instinct to flee from danger helps to protect the organism from harm.

4. Learning and Modification: While instincts are innate and automatic, they can also be influenced by learning and experience. This means that an organism's instincts can be modified or overridden by learned behaviors. For example, a bird may have the instinct to build a nest, but the specific design of the nest may be influenced by the bird's learning and experience.

In conclusion, instincts are genetically based, universal, adaptive behaviors that are essential for the survival and well-being of an organism. While they are innate and automatic, they can also be influenced by learning and experience.