The Oedipus Complex is named after the character from a Greek tragedy who killed his father by mistake, and slept with his mother without realising who she was. Freud's ideas on sexual development included the theory that boys reach a developmental stage when they lust after their mothers and that girls go through a similar stage, when they unconsciously fall in love with their fathers. For Freud, growing to psychological maturity for children involved experiencing and then getting beyond these Oedipus or Electra complexes. Edvard Westermarck saw it differently.
General philosophising
-
Introducing philosophy
Ever wondered what it would be like to study philosophy? This free course, Introducing philosophy, will introduce you to the teaching methods employed and the types of activities and assignments you would be asked to undertake should you wish to study philosophy and the human situation.
Learn moreIntroducing philosophyLevel: 1 Introductory
-
Choose your own philosophy adventure
'Castle, Forest, Island, Sea' is a choose-your-own-adventure story that explores key questions in philosophy. Where will your chosen path lead you?
Take part nowChoose your own philosophy adventureLevel: 1 Introductory
-
Study at the OU: The arts past and present
A broad course that introduces the arts across a range of subject areas, including music, art, English, classics and history
Read moreStudy at the OU: The arts past and present -
Exploring Philosophy
Does God exist? Why should I act morally? Can I trust science? Should I obey laws I disagree with? Discover how philosophers have offered radically diverging answers to these and other questions.
Read moreExploring Philosophy
We invite you to discuss this subject, but remember this is a public forum.
Please be polite, and avoid your passions turning into contempt for others. We may delete posts that are rude or aggressive; or edit posts containing contact details or links to other websites.