A Jungian and Evolutionary Approach to Psychology and Culture: The Infinite Ladder
Book Details
- Publisher : Routledge
- Published : May 2025
- Cover : Paperback
- Pages : 216
- Category :
Forthcoming - Category 2 :
Jung and Analytical Psychology - Catalogue No : 98145
- ISBN 13 : 9781032957678
- ISBN 10 : 1032957670
Also by Stefano Carta
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This ground-breaking book re-positions C.G. Jung's legacy, and the field of analytical psychology, within the panorama of contemporary knowledge in neurobiology, psychology, culture and anthropology.
Within this new volume, Stefano Carta aims to provide a new, up-to-date way of understanding Jung's work, and to show the effect to which his central positions can be better understood in relation to topics such as the nature of the psyche, of the self, of the collective unconscious, and of archetypal theory. This book describes, with extensive substantiations and an original discussion, the transformation of psychological processes into cultural ones, leading to the formation of various forms of symbolic institutions.
Spanning two volumes, which are also accessible as standalone books, and with international appeal and original and interdisciplinary in scope, they will be of great interest to Jungian scholars and analysts as well as students and those on Jungian-oriented training courses.
Reviews and Endorsements
Stefano Carta is a truly original and deep thinker, and with his personal and well-researched approach he conveys an inspiring and valuable contribution to the continuing contemporary discussion of Jung's thought. Stefano Carta deserves great credit for this impressive work that will undoubtedly stand as a milestone in Jungian literature for many years to come.
Misser Berg, Jungian Analyst, President of the International Association of Analytical Psychology
The extraordinary breadth and scope of Stefano Carta's two volume set The Infinite Ladder is a boon to scholars of Analytical Psychology. The careful synthesis of essential Jungian concepts spanning an enormous range from biological to cultural considerations within a psychological perspective, integrated into a contemporary multidisciplinary framework is a rare achievement as well as a gift to the field. Together these volumes will also serve as a very valuable hub in guiding researchers who explore the interconnectedness of Analytical Psychology with the most advanced contemporary thought in numerous related fields.
Joseph Cambray, PhD, IAAP. Past-President & CEO, Pacifica Graduate Institute
Stefano Carta's two volumes are a courageous attempt to reassert the importance and validity of C.G. Jung's fundamental ideas on the central role of emotions, archetypes and the Self within an evolutionary framework. Employing the compelling metaphor of the infinite ladder, Carta demonstrates how psychology reveals its transformative function of the biological foundations of life into the cultural realm. His books, firmly rooted in cutting-edge research, are indeed a unique, fascinating and challenging contribution that will bring the reader to new heights of understanding.
Carolyn M. Bates, PhD, North American Co-Editor in Chief for the Journal of Analytical Psychology
These two volumes are the fruit of a lifelong exploration of Jungian psychology in a contemporary scientific environment. Some of C. G Jung's important ideas are scrutinized in terms of their connectivity to today's scientific thinking. Questions that Jung was already pondering are placed in a new, contemporary context. “What has not been appreciated enough in the past in Jung’s theories and yet could be connected to today's ideas?” To answer this question, the author takes the reader on a stimulating, thoughtful and thought-provoking intellectual journey.
Verena Kast, Jungian Psychoanalyst and former professor at the University of Zurich
This is an exciting book the likes of which I have been waiting for. It is far-reaching and comprehensive in its profound understanding of Jungian thought and connects these insights with findings of contemporary neuroscience. By using Jung’s writings as a starting point, the author opens up a treasure trove of knowledge and understanding by covering topics such as affectivity, neurobiology, psychosomatics, spirituality and culture. In two volumes, the author succeeded in his declared aim to look for those of Jung’s contributions that seem valuable for analytical psychology today.
Arthur Neisser, Co-Editor-in-Chief Journal of Analytical Psychology and Schwendi
Professor Stefano Carta has provided us with a veritable magnum opus in many respects. In these two volumes, not only does he systematically cover an astonishing range of themes and masterfully amalgamate insights from a staggering range of sources, disciplines and traditions, but he also dares to confront central assumptions of Jungian psychology and to re-examine its very foundations. Moreover, he carves out innovative pathways that enable us to re-view central tenets of Jungian thought and their presuppositions, whilst seamlessly addressing both theory and practice. It is for these reasons that this work will become an indispensable guide to anyone who wishes to seriously delve into the intricacies of Jungian ideas, with their multiple implications and applications.
Renos K Papadopoulos, PhD, FBPsS, Professor of Analytical Psychology, Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies, University of Essex; editor of C.G. Jung: Critical Assessments’, and of The Handbook of Jungian Psychology
Stefano Carta makes my head spin with his intelligence and scholarship. Among the many original contributions in these groundbreaking texts, Carta discovers deep inherent resonance and integrates Jung's foundational ideas with the scientific insights coming from contemporary evolutionary biology, neuroscience and cultural anthropology. Carta takes his place among the most creative and innovative thinkers in the history of analytical psychology with these two brilliant volumes.
Thomas Singer, Editor of Award Winning Cultural Complexes and the Soul of America
In this impressive study, Stefano Carta proves himself to be a “faithful interpreter” who trusts his author. His criticism is constructive as he sets out to create a psychology fit for our time by using the materials left to us in C.G. Jung’s precious legacy.
Murray Stein, PhD, ISAP-ZURICH
In The Infinite Ladder, Stefano Carta takes the reader on a remarkable journey, one that assesses the relationship between Jung’s conceptual framework and the practice of analytical psychology in our contemporary world. Drawing from a wide variety of sources, such as neuroscience, infant development, philosophy, and affective research, Carta evaluates which of Jung’s ideas retain utility as clinically relevant concepts. Few could offer the breadth of perspective and deep critical analysis that Carta offers in these two volumes. Essential reading for all contemporary Jungians.
Mark Winborn, PhD, Jungian psychoanalyst and clinical psychologist. Author of Interpretation in Jungian Analysis: Art and Technique and Jungian Psychoanalysis: A Contemporary Introduction
Table of Contents
1. Structures, history and problems within an anthropological perspective
2. From affective images to cultures
3. Images
4. Images and neurobiology
5. Culture and representations
6. Stabilization
7. On rituals: from representations to behaviour
8. What is universal? A redefinition
9. From emotionally raw images to cultural images
10. Conclusions by amplification
Jung as a contemporary scientist
Silvano Tagliagambe
About the Author(s)
Stefano Carta is a Jungian analyst practising in Rome, Italy. He is professor of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology at the University of Cagliari, Italy, and a member of the International Association for Analytical Psychology (IAAP) and of the Associazione Italiana di Psicologia Analitica (AIPA), of which he was President for the 2002-2006 term.
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