Hitchcock's Vertigo
Kirk J. Schneider
Journal of Humanistic Psychology April 1, 1993 DOI: 10.1177/0022167893332009 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Citations | 1 |
| Key points | Proposes a third alternative to rationalist and transpersonalist views of transcendental experience, termed "existential spirituality" or "wonderment," and argues that Alfred Hitchcock's 1958 film Vertigo illustrates the richness and implications of this perspective. |
Abstract
Recently, we have witnessed an explosion of interest in the transcendental dimension of human experience. Leading psychological theorists, however, have become polarized on this matter. Whereas emphatic rationalists (such as Albert Ellis) perceive little value in the transcendental, ardent transpersonalists (such as Ken Wilber) stress its most expansive implications. This article explores a third alternative to these positions-what I term existential spirituality or wonderment. To illustrate the richness of this perspective, I discuss and consider the implications of Alfred Hitchcock's 1958 film Vertigo. We burn with desire to find a steadfast place and an ultimate fixed basis whereon we may build a tower to reach the infinite. But our whole foundation breaks up, and earth opens to the abysses. -Blaise Pascal (1654)