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About
Robert H. Langan holds a doctorate in Psychoanalytic Studies from the University of Essex. A scholar of Jung and Spinoza, he also specializes in speculative metaphysics and psychological types. He lives in southern New Jersey.
Jung and Spinoza: Passage Through the Blessed Self
This volume presents the first major study of C.G. Jung’s curious relationship with the philosophy of Baruch Spinoza. Although Jung scarcely mentions Spinoza in his work, there is an unmistakable accord between the core ideas of both thinkers, most notably regarding Spinoza’s theory of God and the monism found in Jung’s writings. Exploring why Jung shows ambivalence toward Spinoza despite their affinity, Robert H. Langan argues that Spinoza offers Jung a radical solution to problems in his psychology. What results is a new interpretation of Jung’s metaphysics, the evidence for which has gone unheeded in Jungian studies to date. Ultimately for both Jung and Spinoza, knowledge of the self leads to knowledge of the Divine, and it is this championing of a ‘transcendental immanence’ that makes Jung an unlikely yet consummate Spinozist. Jung and Spinoza will be of interest to continental philosophers and depth psychologists who wish to bridge their respective fields, as well as general audiences curious about the ideas of both thinkers.
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Reviews
"It is a delight to see Dr. Langan’s study on Jung and Spinoza in print! A masterful exploration of the interconnections and links between two great thinkers."
— Joseph Cambray, PhD, IAAP, Past-President-CEO, Pacifica Graduate Institute
"A deeply insightful work that will be essential reading for anyone studying the relation between these two thinkers . . . Both scholarly and personal . . . rigorous and exciting . . . An important and brilliant work that also happens to be a pleasure to read."
— Grant Maxwell, PhD, Author of Integration and Difference: Constructing a Mythical Dialectic
"Writing with great clarity, authority, and verve, Bob Langan guides us on an exhilarating intellectual journey . . . No future philosophical examination of Jung’s psychology can afford to ignore this book."
— Professor Roderick Main, University of Essex
"A surprising topic, this is an important and illuminating study of both philosophers/psychologists. A true pleasure to read and study."
— Yitzhak Melamed, Charlotte Bloomberg Professor of Philosophy, Johns Hopkins University, Author of Spinoza’s Metaphysics: Substance and Thought
"Robert Langan’s study employs the subtlety and systematicity of Spinozist philosophy as a way to distill Jungian psychology down to its finest points . . . a mutually clarifying study that should be warmly welcomed by scholars of both traditions."
— Eric Aldieri, PhD, Assistant Professor of Philosophy, Bridgewater State University
"This fascinating and surprisingly readable book is a pioneering and authoritative study . . . a game-changing treatment of a difficult but profoundly rewarding topic."
— Mark Saban, PhD, IAAP & UKCP, University of Essex
Contact
Reach out on Bluesky Social: @roberthlangan.bsky.social