Exploring the Dark Depths of the Human Mind: Freud and Mori on The Uncanny

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Freud's Concept of the Uncanny
   1. Ernst Jench's Ideas about the Uncanny
   2. Freud's Definition and Perception of the Uncanny
3. The German Concept of Heimlich and Unheimlich
4. Freud's Etymological Analysis of the Uncanny
5. The Uncanny in Literature and Fiction
6. The Uncanny Valley: Masahiro MORI's Theory
   1. The Uncanny Valley and Humanoid Robots
   2. The Role of Movement in the Uncanny Valley
   3. Examples of the Uncanny Valley
7. Psychology of the Uncanny
   1. Repressed Desires and Superannuated Modes of Thought
   2. The Fear of Castration and the Uncanny
   3. Childhood Complexes and the Uncanny
8. The Uncanny in Everyday Life
   1. The Uncanny as Superstition
   2. Fear of the Evil Eye and Omnipotence of Thought
   3. Fear of Being Buried Alive and Womb Fantasy
9. Conclusion

Introduction

In this article, we will Delve into the fascinating concept of the uncanny. We will explore the theories of Sigmund Freud, one of the most prominent figures in psychology, as well as the work of Masahiro Mori, a roboticist who introduced the concept of the uncanny valley. Through their perspectives, we will unravel the intricacies of the uncanny and its effects on human perception and psychology.

Freud's Concept of the Uncanny

Ernst Jench's Ideas about the Uncanny

Before we dive into Freud's theory, it is essential to understand Ernst Jench's ideas about the uncanny. Jench defined the uncanny as a feeling of unease that arises when something is unfamiliar, doesn't quite fit, or isn't quite right. While Jench's exploration of the uncanny was limited, Freud believed that there was more to uncover.

Freud's Definition and Perception of the Uncanny

Freud's concept of the uncanny delves deeper into the realms of fear and dread. He argues that the uncanny belongs to the frightening, evoking a Sense of fear in individuals. However, Freud acknowledges that the term is often used in a vague manner, lacking Clarity. He highlights the differences in individuals' sensitivity to the uncanny, stating that some people are more responsive to it than others.

Freud also explores the German concept of Heimlich and Unheimlich, which can be translated as familiar and unfamiliar, respectively. He emphasizes that something may be frightening merely because it is unfamiliar, but not everything unfamiliar is necessarily frightening. Freud's analysis involves an exhaustive etymological study, challenging the Notion that the uncanny can be fully understood through translation.

The Uncanny in Literature and Fiction

Freud asserts that the uncanny is not unusual as an aesthetic response. In literature and fiction, the uncanny often arises from repressed desires and superannuated modes of thought. When these beliefs resurface, they Elicit a sense of strangeness and discomfort. Freud demonstrates how literature has the potent ability to Evoke the uncanny by blurring the boundaries between reality and fantasy.

The Uncanny Valley: Masahiro Mori's Theory

Masahiro Mori's concept of the uncanny valley explores the unease that arises when a humanoid robot or object closely resembles a human but falls short of perfect resemblance. The closer an object gets to human appearance, the more familiar and comfortable it becomes. However, once it enters the uncanny valley, where resemblance is almost but not quite achieved, a sense of strangeness and creepiness emerges.

The role of movement plays a significant role in the uncanny valley phenomenon. Mori argues that adding movements to robotic or prosthetic objects exaggerates the peaks and valleys in human perception. He emphasizes the importance of designers aiming for the first peak of comfort and familiarity to avoid falling into the uncanny valley.

Examples of the uncanny valley can be seen in various fields, from industrial robots to prosthetic hands to humanoid robots and even representations in movies. Understanding the uncanny valley helps us recognize why certain objects or beings may evoke fear or discomfort while others do not.

Psychology of the Uncanny

Freud's psychoanalytic theory provides further insights into the psychology of the uncanny. He explores the connections between repressed desires, childhood complexes, and the fear of castration, suggesting that the uncanny often Stems from these deeply rooted psychological experiences. The article examines how these factors contribute to the uncanny's effects on human perception and behavior.

The Uncanny in Everyday Life

The uncanny is not limited to literature or fiction; it permeates our everyday lives. Freud highlights the uncanny as a remnant of animistic views and superstitions. He explores fears like the evil eye and the fear of being buried alive, revealing how these beliefs tap into our primitive anxieties. Moreover, Freud discusses the influence of early childhood beliefs and their lasting impact on our perception of the uncanny.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the concept of the uncanny encompasses various psychological, cultural, and perceptual phenomena. Freud's exploration of the uncanny and Mori's uncanny valley theory shed light on the complex nature of human perception and its interaction with familiarity and strangeness. By understanding the uncanny, we gain valuable insights into the human psyche and the intricate workings of our perceptions and fears.

Pros

• The article provides a comprehensive overview of the concept of the uncanny, exploring both Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic perspective and Masahiro Mori's uncanny valley theory.
• It delves into the psychological, cultural, and perceptual aspects of the uncanny, providing readers with a nuanced understanding of its effects on human perception and behavior.
• The inclusion of examples, such as industrial robots, prosthetic hands, and humanoid robots, helps illustrate the uncanny valley phenomenon in practical contexts.
• The article examines the connection between repressed desires, childhood complexes, and the fear of castration, providing a deeper understanding of the psychological roots of the uncanny.
• The exploration of the uncanny in everyday life, including superstitions and primitive beliefs, highlights the ubiquity of the uncanny and its impact on human experiences.

Cons

• The article could provide more specific examples from literature and fiction to illustrate the uncanny's effects in these contexts.
• While Freud's exploration of the uncanny is well-covered, more information on Mori's research and other contemporary perspectives could enhance the article's comprehensiveness.

Highlights

• The concept of the uncanny explores the uneasy feeling that arises when something is unfamiliar or doesn't quite fit.
• Sigmund Freud delves further into the uncanny, relating it to fear, dread, and repressed desires.
• The German concept of Heimlich and Unheimlich plays a pivotal role in understanding the uncanny.
• Masahiro Mori's uncanny valley theory focuses on the discomfort that arises when robots or objects closely Resemble humans but fall short of perfect resemblance.
• The role of movement is crucial in the uncanny valley phenomenon.
• The uncanny is not limited to literature and fiction; it manifests in everyday life through superstitions and primitive beliefs.
• Freud's psychoanalytic theory explains the psychological roots of the uncanny, including childhood complexes and the fear of castration.

FAQ

Q: Are all unfamiliar things considered uncanny? A: No, not all unfamiliar things are considered uncanny. The uncanny arises when something is both unfamiliar and elicits a feeling of fear or discomfort.

Q: Can the uncanny exist in fiction and literature? A: Yes, the uncanny can be present in fiction and literature when it blurs the boundaries between what is real and what is imagined, evoking a sense of strangeness and familiarity.

Q: Why does the uncanny valley occur in humanoid robotics? A: The uncanny valley occurs in humanoid robotics because as the appearance and movement of robots become increasingly human-like, they trigger a sense of familiarity but fall short of perfect resemblance. This discrepancy creates a feeling of strangeness and unease.

Q: Are there any specific examples of the uncanny in everyday life? A: Yes, examples of the uncanny in everyday life include the fear of the evil eye, superstitions, and the fear of being buried alive. These beliefs tap into our primitive anxieties and evoke a sense of the uncanny.