Reference no: EM133660882

Question 

The doctor's psyche is decided based on prior experience and knowledge using its multiple parts. The super-ego has directed that the doctor doesn't stop because of the lack of protections and how grave the situation might be versus how it presents itself. There may be the urge to help but also the need to preserve oneself and avoid pain and discomfort. Freud explains that: the conscience is a function of the super-ego, whereas the super-ego exercises the conscience to reach a decision based on what is morally just based upon one's past experiences. The super-ego watches and judges the actions and intentions of the ego, acting as a censor to form discernment for the doctor in the moment of decision-making. While the intentions may be to assist others, the consequences might outweigh the perceived benefits for the actor in and beyond the moment. The super-ego weighs the good and the bad and if the bad may have an equal chance to happen, then the risk of being a good samaritan may not be worth it to the doctor in the long term as the good appears to be equal (Feud. 1962). This reminds me of the time that I witnessed a guy get caught in an electric fence. He touched the fence, and he just froze and began groaning in pain. I was there and so were 12 other people but none of us could help him because if we did we risked ourselves getting caught up with him. he died a horrible death as we witnessed. I was conflicted because I wanted to help but my super-ego wouldn't allow me to aid him without understanding how to be involved and not bring harm to myself as well. I felt very bad and so did the others with me. Reasoning prevailed at that moment over our emotions.