pleasure principle

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Explanation of "Pleasure Principle"

Definition:
The "pleasure principle" is a term from psychology, specifically in psychoanalysis. It refers to the idea that people (especially infants) are driven by the desire to seek pleasure and avoid pain. This means they want to fulfill their needs and desires immediately, without thinking about the consequences.

Usage Instructions:

• Context: You would typically use "pleasure principle" when talking about psychology, child development, or behavior.
• Form: It is a noun, so it can be used as a subject or an object in a sentence.

Example:

• "According to Freud, the pleasure principle is how infants interact with the world, seeking immediate satisfaction of their needs."

Advanced Usage:

In advanced discussions, you might explore how the pleasure principle contrasts with the "reality principle," which is the idea that adults learn to delay gratification and consider the consequences of their actions.

Word Variants:

• Pleasure-seeking (adjective): Related to pursuing enjoyment or satisfaction.
  • Example: "His pleasure-seeking behavior often led to irresponsible decisions."
• Pleasurable (adjective): Causing pleasure or enjoyment.
  • Example: "She found the book to be a pleasurable read."

Different Meaning:

While "pleasure principle" has a specific meaning in psychoanalysis, the words "pleasure" and "principle" can have broader meanings: - Pleasure: A feeling of happiness or enjoyment. - Principle: A fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior.

Synonyms:

• Pleasure-seeking behavior (similar concept in psychology)
• Hedonism (the pursuit of pleasure as the highest good)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While there are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly relate to "pleasure principle," you might consider these related phrases: - "Follow your bliss": This means to pursue what makes you happy, similar to the idea of seeking pleasure. - "Live for today": This emphasizes enjoying the present moment rather than worrying about the future, which connects to the pleasure principle.

Summary:

The "pleasure principle" is a key concept in psychoanalysis that explains how individuals, especially infants, seek immediate satisfaction of their desires.

Academic

Noun

1. (psychoanalysis) the governing principle of the id; the principle that an infant seeks gratification and fails to distinguish fantasy from reality

Synonyms

• pleasure-pain principle
• pleasure-unpleasure principle