Archetypes in Religion and Beyond

A Practical Theory of Human Integration and Inspiration
1. Auflage 2022
ISBN: 978-1-80050-076-1
Verlag: Equinox Publishing Ltd

Buch, Englisch, 354 Seiten, Format (B × H): 161 mm x 240 mm, Gewicht: 955 g

The Jungian concept of archetypes is of immense value for critically distinguishing what is potentially of universal practical value in religious and other cultural traditions, and separating this from the dogmatic elements. However, Jung encumbered the concept of archetypes with debatable constructions like the 'collective unconscious' that are unnecessary for understanding their practical function. This book puts forward a far-reaching new theory of archetypes that is functional without being reductive. At the centre of this is the idea that archetypes are adaptations to help us maintain inspiration over time. Humans are such distractable beings that they need constant reminders to maintain integration with their most sustainable intentions: reminders using the profound power of symbol linked to embodied experience. This multi-disciplinary book weaves together religious studies, ethical philosophy, the psychology of bias, the neuroscience of brain lateralisation, the linguistics of embodied meaning, the feedback loops of systems theory, with a lifetime's experience of Buddhist practice and appreciation of symbolism in the arts: all with the aim of producing a fresh understanding of the role of archetypes in religion and beyond, that can also be directly applied in practice.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Ellis, Robert M.

Fachgebiete

• Geisteswissenschaften Religionswissenschaft Religionswissenschaft Allgemein Theologie
• Geisteswissenschaften Philosophie Ethik, Moralphilosophie
• Geisteswissenschaften Religionswissenschaft Religionswissenschaft Allgemein Religionsphilosophie, Philosophische Theologie
• Sozialwissenschaften Psychologie Allgemeine Psychologie Differentielle Psychologie, Persönlichkeitspsychologie

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Introduction 1. What is an Archetype? 2. The Projection of Archetypes 3. The Integration of Archetypes 4. Categorization of Archetypes 5. Archetypes in Religious Traditions 6. Archetypal Function in 'Secular' Concepts Conclusion

Über Autor(innen)

Ellis, Robert M.
Robert M. Ellis is the founder of the Middle Way Society and author of a range of books on Middle Way Philosophy, both within and beyond Buddhism. These include The Christian Middle Way (Christian Alternative, 2018) and The Buddha’s Middle Way: Experiential Judgement in his Life and Teaching (Equinox Publishing, 2019). He has a PhD in Philosophy and a Cambridge BA in Oriental Studies and Theology. He has taught in many different contexts, and was formerly a member of the Triratna Buddhist Order.