In my forthcoming book, Jung vs. Borg: Finding the Deeply Human in a Posthuman Age, I describe the way psychological dissociation is implicated in the effect and development of many new technologies. This lecture will amplify such an understanding, focusing on our adaptation to the algorithmic architecture of the online world and inclination to grant artificial intelligence (AI) a determinative role in human becoming.

Jung’s work began by studying the dissociative tendencies of the psyche and evolved by describing and cultivating the contrasting capacity for psychological integration. In light of the breadth and depth of our psychic needs, he was also critical of the modern focus on science and technology. The arc of his psychology thus provides us with a means of comprehending the now evident deficits of the digital lifestyle, while also conceptualizing the dynamics necessary for individual and societal wellbeing as we make our way forward.

A JUNGIAN WISDOM SCHOOL OF THE HEART PRESENTS:

Glen Slater, Ph.D. has taught for over twenty-five years at Pacifica Graduate Institute where he has recently chaired the Jungian and Archetypal Psychology Program. He has written articles and book chapters for Jungian publications, edited the third volume of James Hillman’s Uniform Edition, Senex and Puer (Spring Publications, 2005) and co-edited the essay collection, Varieties of Mythic Experience (Daimon-Verlag, 2008). His research and writing interests concern Jung and film, the psychology of religion, and depth psychology and technology. His book Jung vs. Borg: Finding the Deeply Human in a Posthuman Age (Winter Press/Spring Publications) will be published in fall 2023.

Cover Image by Valerie Hammond (https://www.valeriehammond.com/)