Carl Jung & Individuation – Dr Kevin Lu, PhD
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Published 2020-03-15
In this lecture, we will look at Jung’s theory of individuation, where he maps out a path of psychological personality development that, ideally, culminates in greater self-knowledge. Intricately linked to this process is a gradual unfolding of the archetypal Self, which can be understood as an ideal image that both drives and is the end goal of individuation.
While this lecture seeks to provide an in-depth introduction to this central concept in Jung’s psychology, we will also ask some important critical questions: Is individuation an elitist endeavour? Can individuation be achieved without being in relationship to others? Most importantly, is individuation, as Jung conceived it, still possible in our hi-tech and digitally connected world?
Reading Recommendations:
Samuels, A., Shorter, B., Plaut, A. (1986) A Critical Dictionary of Jungian Analysis. London: Routledge & Kegan Paul plc.
Jung, C., Von Franz, M-L., Henserson, J. (1964) Man and His Symbols. London: Pan Books
Dr Kevin Lu, PhD, is Director of Graduate Studies and Director of the MA Jungian and Post-Jungian Studies in the Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies, University of Essex. He is a former member of the Executive Committee of the International Association for Jungian Studies.
Dr. Lu’s publications include articles and chapters on Jung’s relationship to the discipline of history, critical assessments of the theory of cultural complexes, and Jungian perspectives on graphic novels and their adaptation to film.
Links:
- Get our latest psychology lectures emailed to your inbox: bit.ly/new-talks5
- Check out our next event: theweekenduniversity.com/events/
- Information on the MA in Jungian & Post Jungian Studies: vimeo.com/67385596
All Comments (21)
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Once you hear him say right you’ll not be able to pay attention to anything he says except to hear the word ‘right’ lmao 😂
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Have a drink every time he says “right?” 🍻 😂
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‘Academia chooses you’. As a concept, it should not. It is not a monolith. As an institution, it is full of gatekeepers. Despite hearing similar encouragement, that I could write my own ticket to a top tier graduate programme, I walked away. I worked. I existed in the world. I came back and started my PhD to change what I see as wrong in the discipline. Academia doesn’t want me but Science does.
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I am sorry the verbal tic - can’t hear the lecture - I think I am counting now
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This is an amazing lecture. I ventured into Jung about a year ago. This is perhaps the best talk that encapsulates Jung's concept of Individuation. Kevin Lu is an excellent professor. More power to you sir
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Right?
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‘Right’ 😂😂😂😂😂
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The amount of times he says "right" at the end of a sentence got under my skin right away 😂
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-Say “right” one more time
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this is good, informative…riiiiight???
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Please correct me if I'm wrong in the opinion that Jungian Individuation is fundamentally about becoming an 'individual'. That is a person who self-actualises rather than someone who matches their internal motivation/wishes/desires to an outer world opportunity. Now, I'm all for matching the outer world with an inner drive, but to Individuate one must become whole, a complete personality. That means realising that the combination of parts, instinct, conscious, unconscious and all it's components are in fact expressed in the journey to the realisation of the Self, which in potentia we are. To quote Jung 'Those who look out dream, those who look within awaken!'
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Very deep insights Dr Kevin - thanks for your efforts in sharing these with all of us. Have heard your earlier lectures on Jung as well and agree with other posters that these are much better than most others on YT.
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Right!
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Distracting the number of time he punctuated his delivery with ‘right ‘ - otherwise so very good 👍 Right !
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I love watching you but can't help wondering on the excessive use of the word 'right' 😀
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Maybe individuation is the merging of prefrontal cortex with the rest of the brain and it's an evolutionary step.
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Nice, concise and genuinely interesting talk.
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This talk is one of the best I've heard this year!! I'm really grateful! It's modern - and well adjusted to the factual life of any persona.
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Right! 😒
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yes i am living proof i have through suffering started healing myself & still learning at peace & have understanding on many levels & i educated myself too So i know i wasn’t crazy though to the masses i would be labelled with this title But i don’t care i know truth 🙌💯👏👏👏
