A. J. Toynbees use of analytical psychology in his theory of civilizations
First Statement of Responsibility
Kevin Lu
.PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION, ETC
Place of Publication, Distribution, etc.
Leiden
Name of Publisher, Distributor, etc.
Brill
SUMMARY OR ABSTRACT
Text of Note
In this paper, I examine the work of Arnold J. Toynbee (1889-1975), a controversial historian heavily criticized by his colleagues, who utilized the lens of analytical psychology in his work. As one example of how Jungian psychohistory might be done, I employ a comparative approach that establishes the critical points of convergence between the two thinkers and highlight aspects of Toynbee's thought that were likely influenced by Jung. This provides a foundation for future works to not only critically reflect upon and delineate the characteristics of a uniquely Jungian approach to the discipline of history specifically, but to assess the efficacy of analytical psychological interventions into the social sciences more generally. In this paper, I examine the work of Arnold J. Toynbee (1889-1975), a controversial historian heavily criticized by his colleagues, who utilized the lens of analytical psychology in his work. As one example of how Jungian psychohistory might be done, I employ a comparative approach that establishes the critical points of convergence between the two thinkers and highlight aspects of Toynbee's thought that were likely influenced by Jung. This provides a foundation for future works to not only critically reflect upon and delineate the characteristics of a uniquely Jungian approach to the discipline of history specifically, but to assess the efficacy of analytical psychological interventions into the social sciences more generally.