The core of Analytical Psychology: A Theory of a Universal Process of Transformation 1

Abstract

There is confusion around the definition of the term archetype with highly problematic and contradictory conceptualizations continued to the present day. As a solution for this problem the author argues that Jung‘s conceptualization of archetype theory is not one coherent theory, but contains four different theories which have to be clearly separated from each other. The last one is a theory about a universal process of psychological transformation which takes place in life as well as in psychotherapy, and this idea could also be called the core theory of Analytical Psychology. A large part of Jung‘s works deals with the attempt to draw a map of this process, hence his studies in alchemy, religion, mythology etc. On the background of the state of the art in biology/human genetics/evolutionary psychology as well as in anthropology/paleoanthropology it can be argued that the majority of Jung's claims of the universality of certain human patterns, religious ideas etc., cannot be supported. Based on these detailed analyses it is proposed to give up on the biological and anthropological argumentations contained in classic archetype theory, as they are not backed by evidence from the relevant disciplines. As a solution Analytical Psychology should reduce its archetype concept to the last of the above‐mentioned parts of the theory, which is the idea of a universal process of psychological transformations which provides a map for psychotherapy. Here we need more research into the actual shape and contents of this transformation process. Some empirical findings supporting this model are presented.