Sigmund Freud is recognized as the father of psychoanalysis. He developed the framework that explores the relationships between the conscious and unconscious mind, emphasizing the importance of early childhood experiences in shaping personality and behavior. Freud introduced key concepts such as the Oedipus complex, defense mechanisms, and the significance of dreams in understanding the human psyche. His work laid the groundwork for modern psychology and challenged prevailing notions of the mind, making him a foundational figure whose influence continues to resonate in therapy, literature, and philosophy.