1. The Return of the Soul
Jonathan Garb
University of Chicago Press eBooks 2015 DOI: 10.7208/chicago/9780226295947.003.0001 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that the soul, though largely dropped from modern philosophy, survives in literature and popular culture and has revived in recent decades, with James Hillman's "archetypal psychology" offering a basis for critically engaging Jungian psychoanalysis. The chapter also contends that psychological theory should be explored beyond emotional experience and that cross-religious comparisons of mystical schools should stay within specific periods and regions. |
Abstract
This opening chapter follows and critiques the disappearance of the soul in modern philosophy, while calling attention to its continued presence in literature and popular culture and its remarkable revival in recent decades. Especial attention is given to the school of archetypal psychology inaugurated by James Hillman. Dialogue with this school enables a critical engagement with the psychoanalytical tradition, especially as developed by Carl Jung. The chapter also explains the reasons for the autonomy of modern Kabbalah. Chapter 1 also presents the argument that psychological thought and theory should be deeply explored, rather than only addressing emotional experience. It is also argued here that comparison between mystical schools in different religions should be contained within specific periods and geographical areas.