An Epistolary Conversation
John Beebe, Stefano Carpani
Journal of Analytical Psychology August 8, 2023 DOI: 10.1111/1468-5922.12944 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Carpani argues that analytical psychology should incorporate sociological perspectives alongside relational psychoanalytic Jungian practice. Both authors contend that analysis functions as an extended meditation linking individual self-exploration to supra-personal Self-realization, and that this introspection can lead to an expanded inner openness Carpani terms "absolute freedom"—a space of engaged reflection for approaching the complexities of the world soul today. |
Abstract
This written exchange is between a senior and a younger Jungian analyst on issues relevant to the development of analytical psychology throughout the world today. The younger analyst, Stefano Carpani, considers himself a neo-Jungian. He explains to John Beebe, known for post-Jungian contributions to the study of typology, integrity, and gender, how important it is to include sociological perspectives alongside those that stem from the Jungian practice of relational psychoanalysis. The degree to which analysis has become an extended meditation on the relation of individual self-exploration to supra-personal Self-realization is emphasized by both authors, who envision this introspection leading to an expanded inner openness that Carpani has called "absolute freedom." The authors conclude that absolute freedom is a space of engaged reflection that can permit an informed but individualized approach to the complexities of the world soul today.