Overview
This lecture explores C.G. Jung's theory of psychological types, the structure of consciousness, and the integration of archetypes for individuation, emphasizing both classical and contemporary models.
Jung's Psychological Types
- Jung identified four functions of consciousness: thinking, feeling, sensation, and intuition.
- Each function operates through two attitudes: introversion and extraversion.
- One function and attitude combination is dominant (primary), paired with a secondary (auxiliary) function from the opposite category.
- The tertiary and inferior functions are less conscious; the inferior is deeply unconscious and often problematic but also connects us to the Self.
- The inferior function is linked to the anima/animus archetypes, creating a bridge between the conscious and unconscious.
- Individuation is the lifelong process of integrating all functions and archetypes for psychological wholeness.
Function-Attitude Types (Eight Types)
- Extroverted thinking: Objective, values universal laws, may become rigid and tyrannical.
- Extroverted feeling: Oriented by external values, seeks harmony, suppresses personal thinking.
- Extroverted sensation: Engaged with concrete reality, detail-oriented, may become pleasure-seeking.
- Extroverted intuition: Sees possibilities, innovative, easily bored, neglects practical needs.
- Introverted thinking: Guided by inner ideas, can be detached and oblivious to external reality.
- Introverted feeling: Deep, private emotions, values personal feelings, may appear reserved.
- Introverted sensation: Absorbs subjective impression of reality, withdrawn and sensitive.
- Introverted intuition: Focused on internal images and possibilities, visionary but detached from daily life.
Archetypes and Psychological Structure
- Each function is personified by an archetype: hero/heroine (primary), parent (auxiliary), eternal child (tertiary), and anima/animus (inferior).
- Shadow archetypes include opposing personality, senex/witch, trickster, and demonic personality—each representing the unconscious shadow side of a function.
- The axes: "Spine of Personality" (hero-anima) is about self-identity; "Arms of Personality" (parent-child) relates to interpersonal dynamics.
Individuation and Self-Knowledge
- True individuation involves integrating all functions and archetypes, not just identifying with one's dominant type.
- Shadow archetypes manifest as challenges, defensive behaviors, or inner critics.
- Integration of shadow elements leads to greater integrity, healing, and wholeness.
Modern Developments (John Beebe's Model)
- Beebe expanded Jung's model to eight function-attitude archetypes within the psyche.
- This includes both conscious (ego-syntonic) and shadow (ego-dystonic) aspects.
- Each archetype can influence behavior, both positively (guidance, creativity) and negatively (self-sabotage, manipulation).
- Therapy uses type theory to identify and work with dominant and shadow complexes.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Function — A mode of psychological operation (thinking, feeling, sensation, intuition).
- Attitude — The direction of psychological energy: introverted (inward) or extraverted (outward).
- Dominant/Auxiliary/Tertiary/Inferior Functions — Primary, secondary, third, and least conscious psychological functions, respectively.
- Individuation — The process of integrating all aspects of the psyche to achieve wholeness.
- Archetype — Universal symbolic patterns or roles in the unconscious (e.g., Hero, Parent, Child, Anima).
- Shadow — The unconscious aspect of personality, often carrying repressed traits or behaviors.
- Persona — The social mask or role adopted in society.
- Anima/Animus — Inner contrasexual archetype in the unconscious.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review previous material on Jung's psychological types if unfamiliar.
- Reflect on personal dominant, auxiliary, tertiary, and inferior functions.
- Observe archetypal patterns within yourself and relationships.
- Engage in exercises or therapy to explore shadow functions and their integration.