What is the main reason that humans probably do not have a "death instinct" as Freud postulated?
A) Human beings don't kill themselves in large numbers.
B) Human beings don't kill other people in most societies.
C) A drive toward death would not have survived natural selection.
D) All of Freud's theories have been proven wrong by empirical research.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Freud's theory of a "death instinct" suggests that humans have an unconscious drive toward self-destructive behavior and death. However, this theory goes against the process of natural selection, which would select against individuals who have a drive to harm themselves or others. Therefore, the fact that humans have survived and thrived as a species indicates that a death instinct is unlikely to exist.

What Is the Main Reason That Humans Probably Do Not