Mythological Consciousness
Schelling's Late Philosophy in Confrontation with Hegel February 9, 2023 DOI: 10.1093/oso/9780190069124.003.0008 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that Schelling's theory of the "mythological process" anticipates psychoanalytic accounts of separation from an initial state of merger with the caregiver and reveals analogues to neurotic mechanisms; the Eleusinian Mysteries mark the point where mythological consciousness becomes reflexive and points toward a future "absolute monotheism." |
Abstract
Abstract This chapter begins with a philosophical exploration of what Schelling means by “God-positing consciousness.” It then explains his theory of the “mythological process” which emerges from it. This process, which consists in the dynamic interaction of Schelling’s potentialities, or principles of being, unfolds in the human mind in a compulsive and dream-like manner. Schelling’s theory of mythology clearly anticipates psychoanalytic accounts of the child’s separation from an initial state of merger with the caregiver, and its consequences. The inner dynamic of the mythological process in Schelling also reveals analogues to neurotic mechanisms, and some of these are explored. The stages of the mythological process, and the systems which it establishes, are explained, with reference to Schelling’s interpretation of ancient Greek and other world mythologies. The chapter concludes with his account of the Eleusinian Mysteries of ancient Athens. For Schelling, the Mysteries are the point at which mythological consciousness becomes reflexive: it does so in a mythological mode, which nonetheless points beyond itself, toward a future “absolute monotheism” or belief in a world-transcendent, spiritual God.