The Discovery of the Unconscious

The Jung Center presents The Discovery of the Unconscious.

How did the notion of an “unconscious mind” enter the field of psychology? At one time, this key concept of dynamic psychiatry, foundational for Freud and Jung, seemed like a shocking and unexpected discovery, demonstrated in a few pathological cases–but stimulating speculation that this “hidden self” might be a universal trait of human nature.

We will explore roots of the idea in Mesmerism, hypnosis, and studies of spiritualism; trace its emergence in early clinical observations; and examine initial (pre-Freudian) theories about the extent and character of this “subconscious” territory.

A focus will be on views of the psyche that validated supranormal and spiritual insight, prefiguring today’s transpersonal psychology.

An historian of American thought, Mark B. Ryan holds a Ph.D. from Yale University, where he taught for 22 years and was Dean of Jonathan Edwards College. Subsequently, he was Titular Professor at the Universidad de las Américas in Puebla, Mexico, serving as Dean of the Colleges and Director of the graduate program in United States Studies.