Why Jung Hated Philosophers
The Living Philosophy・21 minutes read
Jung criticized major philosophers, including Hegel, Schopenhauer, Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, and Heidegger, believing they went beyond their bounds. Despite claiming to understand philosophy, Jung had a strained relationship with it, expressing frustration at philosophical criticism of his work and highlighting his struggle between being a scientist and a philosopher.
Insights
- Jung had a critical view of existentialist philosophers like Kierkegaard and Heidegger, expressing little respect for philosophers in general and accusing them of surpassing their limits and having mental health issues.
- Despite claiming to understand philosophy, Jung had a strained relationship with the field, criticizing major philosophers such as Hegel, Schopenhauer, Nietzsche, and Heidegger, and emphasizing the importance of factual knowledge in philosophical criticism to avoid sterility.
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Recent questions
What did Jung think of existentialist philosophers?
Jung had little respect for existentialist philosophers and philosophers in general, criticizing major figures like Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, and Heidegger. He believed philosophers often went beyond their bounds and accused them of being mentally ill. Jung felt that philosophical criticism should be based on factual knowledge to avoid sterility, and he expressed frustration at the intellectual prejudice he faced regarding his concept of the collective unconscious.
How did Jung view the relationship between science and philosophy?
Jung struggled with his desire to be both a scientist and a philosopher, with his ego leaning towards science while his soul pulled him towards the humanities. He criticized existentialist philosophers like Heidegger and Kierkegaard, showing strong reactions to their ideas. Jung's imposter syndrome regarding his philosophical side is discussed, highlighting his desire for recognition and the tension between his scientific and philosophical personalities.
Who were some philosophers Jung mentioned in his criticism?
Jung mentioned Socrates, Plato, and Kant, but had more to say about philosophers after Kant. He criticized major figures like Hegel, Schopenhauer, Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, and Heidegger for going beyond their bounds and being mentally ill. Jung believed that philosophers were neurotic and that their philosophies reflected their inner struggles.
How did Jung feel about the philosophical approaches of Heidegger, Clagus, and Jaspers?
Jung criticized Heidegger, Clagus, and Jaspers for their philosophical approaches, believing that philosophers often went beyond their bounds and were mentally ill. He felt that philosophical criticism should be grounded in factual knowledge to avoid sterility, expressing frustration at the intellectual prejudice he faced regarding his concept of the collective unconscious.
What was Jung's struggle regarding his philosophical side?
Jung struggled with his desire to be both a scientist and a philosopher, with his ego leaning towards science while his soul pulled him towards the humanities. He criticized existentialist philosophers like Heidegger and Kierkegaard, showing strong reactions to their ideas. Jung's imposter syndrome regarding his philosophical side is discussed, highlighting his desire for recognition and the tension between his scientific and philosophical personalities.
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Summary
00:00
Jung's Critique of Existentialist Philosophers
- Jung recently came across a letter where Jung criticized existentialist philosophers Kierkegaard and Heidegger.
- Jung searched through Jung's collected works and letters to understand his views on philosophers.
- Jung had little respect for existentialist philosophers and philosophers in general.
- Jung mentioned Socrates, Plato, and Kant but had more to say about philosophers after Kant.
- Jung criticized major philosophers like Hegel, Schopenhauer, Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, and Heidegger.
- Jung had a strained relationship with philosophy despite claiming to be adept at it.
- Jung accused philosophers of going beyond their bounds and being mentally ill.
- Jung believed philosophical criticism should be grounded in factual knowledge to avoid sterility.
- Jung criticized Heidegger, Clagus, and Jaspers for their philosophical approaches.
- Jung believed philosophers were neurotic and their philosophies reflected their inner struggles.
15:51
Jung's Struggle Between Science and Philosophy
- Jung's relationship with science is explored, revealing his strong reactions to existentialist philosophers like Heidegger and Kierkegaard.
- Jung's struggle between his desire to be a scientist and a philosopher is highlighted, with his ego leaning towards science while his soul pulls him towards the humanities.
- Jung expresses frustration at philosophical criticism of his concept of the collective unconscious, citing ignorance and intellectual prejudice.
- The tension between Jung's scientific and philosophical personalities is evident, with his criticism of philosophers contrasting with his claim to understand philosophy, particularly Nietzsche.
- Jung's imposter syndrome regarding his philosophical side is discussed, with a sense of what could have been and a lingering desire for recognition.
- Jung's sharp criticism of philosophers like Heidegger and Kierkegaard may reflect his own fears and desires for recognition, hinting at a competitive streak seen in his interactions with Freud.
