What term refers to basic biological needs and drives, often illustrated as the 'devil on your shoulder'?

The term that refers to basic biological needs and drives, often illustrated as the 'devil on your shoulder,' is the Id. In Freudian psychoanalytic theory, the Id represents the primal, instinctual part of the mind that is present from birth. It is driven by the pleasure principle, seeking immediate gratification of desires and impulses without regard for reality or social rules. This is why it can be metaphorically represented as the 'devil on your shoulder,' as it embodies the more base, instinctual behaviors and urges that can conflict with societal norms or ethics.

The Id operates unconsciously and is focused on fulfilling basic needs such as hunger, thirst, and sexual drives. It does not consider the consequences of its actions, making it a powerful and often unruly aspect of human psychology. Understanding the role of the Id provides insight into how certain behaviors and impulses may arise, particularly in situations where immediate satisfaction is sought without consideration of long-term effects or moral considerations.