The persona of rationality

In this dissertation, using Jungian depth psychology, I use the dialectical structure of the human psyche as a foundation to illustrate some problems that develop when an individual identifies her or himself with the requirements of a rational organization. I argue that the unconscious side of the psyche is not acknowledged, and is in fact suppressed, by the rational form of organization. The consequences for the individual have serious side effects. Specifically, the human individuation process is obstructed and the feeling side of life is sacrificed. Basically, the rational organization represents an over assertion of the conscious attitude, that, if adhered to, may lead to an imbalance in the psyche. Consequently, a negative manifestation of the unconscious will be realized. In order to correct this situation, I contend that a more balanced form of organization is needed. A form that will allow the unconscious side of the psyche a wholesome expression. If the human individuation process is to proceed normally, the unconscious must be integrated into the conscious personality. Just what form the organization will take in order to facilitate, instead of obstructing, the individuation process cannot be determined exactly, nor predicted successfully. This is because all real change flows from deep within the unconscious through a symbol generating process, and it is not possible to formulate, rationally, a symbol through an intellectual process. It is evident, however, that the rational, masculine model of organization that heightens thinking, order, authority, objectivity, and impersonality must be mediated by a more feminine, subjective, feeling form of participative structure and process that encourages a wholistic realization of one’s personality, and a genuine opening up of feeling, both of which are prerequisites for the integration of the unconscious.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph. D.

Level thesis:degree_level

doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Public Administration and Public Affairs

Department dc:contributor.department

Public Administration and Public Affairs

Grantor dc:publisher

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Year dc:date.issued

1985

Author dc:creator

• Hedblom, Karen C.

Chair dc:contributor.committeechair

• Wamsley, Gary L.

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Goering, Jacob D.
• Rohr, John A.
• Wolfe, James F.
• Wolf, Linda A.

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10919/54404

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/54404