A Jungian psychohistory: A. J. Toynbee's use of analytical psychology in his theory of civilizations

摘要

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.