DownloadThe Portobello Bookshop Gift Guide 2024

Deconstructing Archetype Theory

A Critical Analysis of Jungian Ideas

Christian Roesler author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd

Published:4th Aug '23

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

This paperback is available in another edition too:

Deconstructing Archetype Theory cover

This important book offers a critical and timely reassessment of one of the cornerstones of analytical psychology, Jung’s concept of archetypes.

Exploring not only Jung’s original writings but also the range of interpretations used by Jungian scholars today, the book argues that Jung’s conceptualization of archetype theory is not a single coherent theory; rather, it is four different theories which must be understood separately. Roesler goes onto deconstruct these four ideas: the biological, the anthropological, the transcendental and the psychological in context with contemporary insights from each of these disciplines. A thorough analysis of the state of knowledge in the respective disciplines (i.e. biology, anthropology, religious and mythological studies) makes clear that the claims archetype theory makes in these fields have no support and should be given up. Deconstructing Archetype Theory concludes by arguing that a universal process of psychological transformation is the only part of archetype theory which should be maintained, as it provides a map for psychotherapy.

Rigorous and insightful, this is a book that will fascinate scholars and practitioners of analytical psychology, as well as anyone with an interest in Jung’s original work.

ISBN: 9781032390499

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 520g

272 pages