Future Of An Illusion Essay

Sigmund Freud’s Future of an Illusion is an explanation on why religion and the concept of civilization are necessary to maintain order in human society. Humans, naturally, act on instinctual needs. These instinctual needs are, usually, negative and hurtful to the rest of the society. Society needs prohibitions to prevent and control human instincts. Religion and civilization control human instincts and maintain order in society. According to Freud, religion is an illusion to fulfil human urges and give the feeling of security in a world of uncertainty. Illusions cannot be proven wrong or correct because they are made to realize a wish. This is why religions are successful. People need answers to their wishes and religions propose an answer …show more content…
If a person believes an illusion, they are embracing ignorance, and in a state of ignorance the person will make unclear and uninformed judgements. Freud believes science can replace religion. Science provides the answers to the questions in society without personal feelings or institutions to influence the answer. Science can be altered, changed and updated without problems. If a religion is discredited, then their belief is no longer true and cannot be changed. Freud’s argument is sensible because logically it explains why religions exist and why humans do not need it anymore, but without religion society might collapse due to its dependence on religion maintaining order in society.
Many people today are members of a religion and follow its ideals. If religion was suddenly taken away, many people would not know what to do with their lives and cause chaos. These people would begin to break rules or taboos that held order in society. The Catholic Church is an example of this. The Church has rules against murder, stealing, and sexuality. If the Catholic Church’s beliefs are disproven and are no longer true, then most of its members will do whatever they want because they don’t have to follow the rules