C. G. Jung's The Theory of Psychoanalysis (1913), originally a series of lectures delivered at Fordham University, marks a pivotal moment in early depth psychology and charts Jung's theoretical departure from Sigmund Freud. Written during the period when Jung was still broadly aligned with Freudian psychoanalysis, this work nonetheless reveals the beginnings of Jung's divergence, especially in terms of the unconscious, libido, and the developmental trajectory of the psyche.
The text is structured as a systematic exposition and critique of Freudian theory. Jung begins by acknowledging Freud's foundational contributions, particularly the recognition of unconscious mental processes and the psychosexual stages of development. He underscores Freud's central claim that neuroses stem from repressed sexual trauma or conflict, typically rooted in childhood, and argues that repression and the dynamic unconscious are real and clinically observable phenomena.
However, Jung's tone, while respectful, becomes increasingly critical as he examines the limitations of Freud's libido theory. He challenges the reduction of all psychic energy to sexuality, suggesting instead that libido represents a broader concept of psychic energy. This marks a key philosophical turn—Jung moves from a monistic (sexual) to a pluralistic conception of psychic motivation, laying the groundwork for his later elaboration of archetypes and the collective unconscious.
In his exploration of the psyche's development, Jung also criticizes Freud's emphasis on pathology and the regression to infantile stages. Jung proposes a more optimistic, developmental model in which neurosis can be understood not merely as a failure of repression, but as part of the individual's striving for individuation and psychic wholeness. He begins to articulate a teleological view of the psyche—one that looks forward toward meaning, rather than backward toward trauma.
Additionally, Jung emphasizes cultural and symbolic content in the psyche, pointing to myth, religion, and art as vital expressions of unconscious life. This attention to the symbolic dimension contrasts with Freud's narrower focus on the personal unconscious and its repressed material. Jung suggests that such symbolic productions are not just by-products of neurotic conflict but may be intrinsic to the psyche's self-regulation and growth.
While The Theory of Psychoanalysis does not yet articulate the mature features of Jungian psychology—such as the anima/animus, shadow, or archetypal theory—it is historically significant as an early sketch of Jung's independent line of thought. It anticipates the eventual schism between Freud and Jung, which would be publicly acknowledged within a year of the book's publication.
In sum, The Theory of Psychoanalysis is both a homage and a critique: it serves as a gateway into Jung's later theories while preserving a respectful yet probing engagement with Freud. It is a foundational text for understanding not only the historical evolution of psychoanalytic thought but also the philosophical rift between the Freudian and Jungian traditions. Jung's method—combining clinical observation, philosophical reflection, and cultural analysis—exemplifies the broad humanistic scope that would come to define analytical psychology.
1101131737
The text is structured as a systematic exposition and critique of Freudian theory. Jung begins by acknowledging Freud's foundational contributions, particularly the recognition of unconscious mental processes and the psychosexual stages of development. He underscores Freud's central claim that neuroses stem from repressed sexual trauma or conflict, typically rooted in childhood, and argues that repression and the dynamic unconscious are real and clinically observable phenomena.
However, Jung's tone, while respectful, becomes increasingly critical as he examines the limitations of Freud's libido theory. He challenges the reduction of all psychic energy to sexuality, suggesting instead that libido represents a broader concept of psychic energy. This marks a key philosophical turn—Jung moves from a monistic (sexual) to a pluralistic conception of psychic motivation, laying the groundwork for his later elaboration of archetypes and the collective unconscious.
In his exploration of the psyche's development, Jung also criticizes Freud's emphasis on pathology and the regression to infantile stages. Jung proposes a more optimistic, developmental model in which neurosis can be understood not merely as a failure of repression, but as part of the individual's striving for individuation and psychic wholeness. He begins to articulate a teleological view of the psyche—one that looks forward toward meaning, rather than backward toward trauma.
Additionally, Jung emphasizes cultural and symbolic content in the psyche, pointing to myth, religion, and art as vital expressions of unconscious life. This attention to the symbolic dimension contrasts with Freud's narrower focus on the personal unconscious and its repressed material. Jung suggests that such symbolic productions are not just by-products of neurotic conflict but may be intrinsic to the psyche's self-regulation and growth.
While The Theory of Psychoanalysis does not yet articulate the mature features of Jungian psychology—such as the anima/animus, shadow, or archetypal theory—it is historically significant as an early sketch of Jung's independent line of thought. It anticipates the eventual schism between Freud and Jung, which would be publicly acknowledged within a year of the book's publication.
In sum, The Theory of Psychoanalysis is both a homage and a critique: it serves as a gateway into Jung's later theories while preserving a respectful yet probing engagement with Freud. It is a foundational text for understanding not only the historical evolution of psychoanalytic thought but also the philosophical rift between the Freudian and Jungian traditions. Jung's method—combining clinical observation, philosophical reflection, and cultural analysis—exemplifies the broad humanistic scope that would come to define analytical psychology.
The Theory of Psychoanalysis
C. G. Jung's The Theory of Psychoanalysis (1913), originally a series of lectures delivered at Fordham University, marks a pivotal moment in early depth psychology and charts Jung's theoretical departure from Sigmund Freud. Written during the period when Jung was still broadly aligned with Freudian psychoanalysis, this work nonetheless reveals the beginnings of Jung's divergence, especially in terms of the unconscious, libido, and the developmental trajectory of the psyche.
The text is structured as a systematic exposition and critique of Freudian theory. Jung begins by acknowledging Freud's foundational contributions, particularly the recognition of unconscious mental processes and the psychosexual stages of development. He underscores Freud's central claim that neuroses stem from repressed sexual trauma or conflict, typically rooted in childhood, and argues that repression and the dynamic unconscious are real and clinically observable phenomena.
However, Jung's tone, while respectful, becomes increasingly critical as he examines the limitations of Freud's libido theory. He challenges the reduction of all psychic energy to sexuality, suggesting instead that libido represents a broader concept of psychic energy. This marks a key philosophical turn—Jung moves from a monistic (sexual) to a pluralistic conception of psychic motivation, laying the groundwork for his later elaboration of archetypes and the collective unconscious.
In his exploration of the psyche's development, Jung also criticizes Freud's emphasis on pathology and the regression to infantile stages. Jung proposes a more optimistic, developmental model in which neurosis can be understood not merely as a failure of repression, but as part of the individual's striving for individuation and psychic wholeness. He begins to articulate a teleological view of the psyche—one that looks forward toward meaning, rather than backward toward trauma.
Additionally, Jung emphasizes cultural and symbolic content in the psyche, pointing to myth, religion, and art as vital expressions of unconscious life. This attention to the symbolic dimension contrasts with Freud's narrower focus on the personal unconscious and its repressed material. Jung suggests that such symbolic productions are not just by-products of neurotic conflict but may be intrinsic to the psyche's self-regulation and growth.
While The Theory of Psychoanalysis does not yet articulate the mature features of Jungian psychology—such as the anima/animus, shadow, or archetypal theory—it is historically significant as an early sketch of Jung's independent line of thought. It anticipates the eventual schism between Freud and Jung, which would be publicly acknowledged within a year of the book's publication.
In sum, The Theory of Psychoanalysis is both a homage and a critique: it serves as a gateway into Jung's later theories while preserving a respectful yet probing engagement with Freud. It is a foundational text for understanding not only the historical evolution of psychoanalytic thought but also the philosophical rift between the Freudian and Jungian traditions. Jung's method—combining clinical observation, philosophical reflection, and cultural analysis—exemplifies the broad humanistic scope that would come to define analytical psychology.
The text is structured as a systematic exposition and critique of Freudian theory. Jung begins by acknowledging Freud's foundational contributions, particularly the recognition of unconscious mental processes and the psychosexual stages of development. He underscores Freud's central claim that neuroses stem from repressed sexual trauma or conflict, typically rooted in childhood, and argues that repression and the dynamic unconscious are real and clinically observable phenomena.
However, Jung's tone, while respectful, becomes increasingly critical as he examines the limitations of Freud's libido theory. He challenges the reduction of all psychic energy to sexuality, suggesting instead that libido represents a broader concept of psychic energy. This marks a key philosophical turn—Jung moves from a monistic (sexual) to a pluralistic conception of psychic motivation, laying the groundwork for his later elaboration of archetypes and the collective unconscious.
In his exploration of the psyche's development, Jung also criticizes Freud's emphasis on pathology and the regression to infantile stages. Jung proposes a more optimistic, developmental model in which neurosis can be understood not merely as a failure of repression, but as part of the individual's striving for individuation and psychic wholeness. He begins to articulate a teleological view of the psyche—one that looks forward toward meaning, rather than backward toward trauma.
Additionally, Jung emphasizes cultural and symbolic content in the psyche, pointing to myth, religion, and art as vital expressions of unconscious life. This attention to the symbolic dimension contrasts with Freud's narrower focus on the personal unconscious and its repressed material. Jung suggests that such symbolic productions are not just by-products of neurotic conflict but may be intrinsic to the psyche's self-regulation and growth.
While The Theory of Psychoanalysis does not yet articulate the mature features of Jungian psychology—such as the anima/animus, shadow, or archetypal theory—it is historically significant as an early sketch of Jung's independent line of thought. It anticipates the eventual schism between Freud and Jung, which would be publicly acknowledged within a year of the book's publication.
In sum, The Theory of Psychoanalysis is both a homage and a critique: it serves as a gateway into Jung's later theories while preserving a respectful yet probing engagement with Freud. It is a foundational text for understanding not only the historical evolution of psychoanalytic thought but also the philosophical rift between the Freudian and Jungian traditions. Jung's method—combining clinical observation, philosophical reflection, and cultural analysis—exemplifies the broad humanistic scope that would come to define analytical psychology.
4.99
In Stock
5
1
The Theory of Psychoanalysis
The Theory of Psychoanalysis
Related collections and offers
4.99
In Stock
From the B&N Reads Blog