Mapping the psyche-civilization relationship: how overcoming conceptual dualisms can help us better comprehend the trajectory of the human race.
The Journal of analytical psychology September 1, 2021 DOI: 10.1111/1468-5922.12716 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Bewußtsein Dualismus Individuation Naturphilosophie Psychoanalyse Civilisation écologique Civilización ecológica Civilizzazione ecologica Conscience Consciencia Consciousness Coscienza Dualisme Dualismo Ecological civilization Filosofia della natura Individuación Individuazione Psicoanalisi Psicoanálisis Psychanalyse Psychoanalysis Ökologische zivilisation Дуализм Индивидуация Натурфилософия Психоанализ Сознание Экологическая цивилизация 个体化 二元论 心理分析 意识 生态文明 自然哲学 |
| Key points | Argues that underlying conceptual dualisms prevent individuals from addressing collective problems, and that mapping the interaction between psyche and civilization may reveal necessary corrective actions. |
Abstract
Global living standards have increased considerably as a result of the progress brought about by human civilization. However, ecological crises, global nuclear armament and an increasing sense of psychological discontent are among a list of things that bring into question the nature of modernity. Often these large-scale collective issues seem too overwhelming for the individual to ponder in any great depth and thus the question, 'how are we, as individuals, supposed to address the problems facing broader humanity?' remains. This paper suggests that it is the underlying conceptual dualisms that prevent an answer to this question, and by mapping the interaction between psyche and civilization, the actions necessary to correct the trajectory of Western civilization may become apparent.