Beyond the Evolutionary Paradigm in Consciousness Studies

Adopting an ‘‘archetypal’’ reading of analytical psychology, this paper seeks to explore the often encountered assumption that consciousness is ‘‘evolving.’’ The author considers parallels between the work of C.G. Jung and Jean Gebser, arguing that the ideas of both figures have at times been improperly understood and misappropriated in support of the evolutionary paradigm. It is suggested that the insights of archetypal psychology might help dismantle some of the long-standing assumptions of transpersonal theorizing, thus supporting the emergence of a more participatory outlook. Such an outlook proposes that consciousness is both culturallyembedded, yet self-creatively vitalized. This approach finds further support from the work of Jacques Lacan, Owen Barfield, and Jorge Ferrer.