WILLIAM JAMES AND C. G. JUNG: DOORWAYS TO THE SELF

FACULTY: STEVEN HERRMANN, PhD, MFT

 

TUITION: $100

The influence of American psychology on the development of C. G.
Jung’s concept of the “Self” is an area of inquiry that has not been
given much attention by scholars, historians, or clinicians. Jung met
William James (the father of American psychology) in 1909 at Clark
University and again in 1910. Jung was highly influenced by Jamesian
pragmatism, based on radical empiricism and scientific objectivity.
Like James, Jung considered himself to be an empirical scientist.
The connection between James and C. G. Jung needs to be better
understood in order to see some of the precursors that broaden our
understanding of the field of analytical psychology. This includes
topics such as the infinite extent of the human psyche, a psychology
of consciousness, notions of spiritual democracy, pluralism,
religious experience, and a psychology of action. James paved the
way towards an entirely new psychological relativity towards spiritual
experience that profoundly affected Jung’s Self-concept. He brought
a detached and accepting attitude to all forms of psychological
experience that inspired Jung during the middle to later years of his
life. “Doorways to the Self” is not a mere metaphor but an invitation
to recognize the living spiritual reality that exists in every person.

STEVEN HERRMANN, PhD, MFT, is an analyst member of the C.G.
Jung Institute of San Francisco. He has published numerous papers, several
book chapters and six books, including his newest book, William James
and C. G. Jung: Doorways to the Self. Steven has taught
nationally and internationally on Jung’s analytical psychology, American
poetry, sandplay, shamanism, and William James. Steven has a private
practice in Oakland, CA where he sees individual adults and couples.