Mythos and Logos in the Thought of Carl Jung

The Theory of the Collective Unconscious in Scientific Perspective

By Walter A. Shelburne

Subjects: Psychology
Paperback : 9780887066955, 180 pages, July 1988
Hardcover : 9780887066931, 180 pages, July 1988

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Table of contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction

1. Jung's Mental Constructs

Psyche

Unconscious

Collective Unconscious

2. Theory of Archetypes: Part 1

Introduction

The Symbolic Nature of the Archetypes

Archetypes and Instincts

3. Theory of Archetypes: Part 2

The Origin of me Archetypes

Archetypal Image and Archetype Per Se

The Archetypes as Autonomous Factors

Characterization of the Chief Archetypes

Archetypes and Synchronicity

Archetypes and Temporality

4. Critiques of the Theory of Archetypes

Introductory Remarks

Psychoanalytic Criticism

Theological Criticism

5. The Challenge of James Hillman's Archetypal Psychology

Preliminary Remarks

Characterization of Hillman's Views on Archetypes

Critique of Hillman's View

6. Jung and the Scientific Attitude: Part 1

The Question of Scientific Status

The Charge of Mysticism

Mysticism Characterized

Is Jung a Mystic?

Jung's Attitude Toward Science

7. Jung and the Scientific Attitude: Part 2

The Question of a Science of Archetypes

Jung's Methodology

8. The Study of Archetypes as a Scientific Discipline

Introduction

Falsifiability

Explanation

Evidence

Archetypes and Evolution Theory

Notes

Bibliography

Index

Description

The author explores and defends the bold thesis that the idea of the collective unconscious can be reconciled with a scientific world outlook as he sketches a big picture from Jung's psychological viewpoint. In his examination of Jung's archetypes, Shelburne considers the chief critical views of the scientific import of Jung's thesis as he discusses the issue of rationality posed by the theory. There is also a discussion of how the ideas of James Hillman contrast with those of Jung on the issue of the scientific nature of archetypes. Shelburne presents scientific evidence for the existence of archetypes and shows how the theory fits in with modern evolutionary biology.

Walter A. Shelburne is Adjunct Professor of Philosophy at Diablo Valley College, Pleasant Hill and National University, Oakland, California. He is a founding member of the Applied Philosophy Institute based in San Jose, California.

Reviews

"The author shows enthusiasm for Jung's work while objectively viewing its limitations and the negative criticism attached to it. He also makes some needed clarifications in the theoretical difference between Jung's original theory of archetypes and post-Jungian archetypal theory. " — Marian L. Pauson, Director, Graduate program of Studies in Jungian thought, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia

"It is impressively researched, and it makes use of the research in a balanced fashion. Everyone interested in Jung's scientific status or his notion of the collective unconscious should read this book. " — John T. Granrose, University of Georgia