The intersection between religiosity and psyche in the work of Carl Gustav Jung

na analysis of the concepts of symbol, collective unconscious, and archetype

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25247/P1982-999X.2026.v26n1.p58-79

Keywords:

Analytical Psychology, numinous, religious experience, unconscious, psyche

Abstract

This paper examines the intersection between religiosity and the psyche in the work of Carl Gustav Jung, focusing on the concepts of symbol, collective unconscious, and archetype. Based on the Jungian definition of religion as an experience of the ‘numinous’, we analyze how these notions underpin the understanding of religiosity as an expression of universal psychic structures. The study contextualizes the development of Jung's thought, addresses recurring criticisms – such as accusations of mysticism or being unscientific – and explores the relationship between the collective unconscious and dream analysis. We argue that Jung offers an integrative perspective in which religiosity emerges as a profound manifestation of the psyche, mediated by symbols and archetypes, thereby transcending the limitations of the materialist reductionism of his time.

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Author Biographies

  • Gustavo Henrique de Freitas Coelho, Federal University of Uberlândia

    Graduated in Systems Analysis and Development from the University of Franca (2015), and graduated (license and bachelor's degree) in Philosophy from the Federal University of Uberlândia (2019), where he also earned a Master's degree in Philosophy (2023). He has specializations in Religious Studies from Famart College (2020) and in Animal Law from the UNINTER International University Center (2022). Founder of the Institute for Antispeciesist Education (INEA). He is currently a PhD student in Philosophy at the Federal University of Uberlândia.

    Note: “This work was carried out with support from CNPq, National Council for Scientific and Technological Development – Brazil.”

  • Leonardo Ferreira Almada, Federal University of Uberlândia

    Philosophy Professor (Associate Level IV) at the Institute of Philosophy of the Federal University of Uberlândia (IFILO-UFU, Uberlândia-MG) and at the Graduate Program in Philosophy (PhD and Master’s) at the Federal University of Uberlândia (POSFIL-UFU, Uberlândia-MG). Research focuses on Philosophy and Developmental Psychology (Psychology of Old Age and Aging) from the perspectives of Psychoanalysis and Historical-Cultural Psychology. Lead coordinator of the "Research Project on Philosophy/Psychology of Old Age and Aging from Psychoanalysis and Historical-Cultural Psychology Perspectives." Holds a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy from the Institute of Philosophy and Social Sciences at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (IFCS-UFRJ). Also graduated in Psychology from the Federal University of Uberlândia (IP-UFU). He has a Master's degree in Philosophy from the Graduate Program in Philosophy at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (PPGF-UFRJ). Doctor in Philosophy from the Graduate Program in Philosophy at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (PPGF-UFRJ), from the perspectives of Psychoanalysis and Historical-Cultural Psychology. He is the lead coordinator of the "Research Project on Philosophy/Psychology of Old Age and Aging from the Perspectives of Psychoanalysis and Historical-Cultural Psychology." He has a degree (Bachelor's) in Philosophy from the Institute of Philosophy and Social Sciences at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (IFCS-UFRJ). He also graduated in Psychology from the Federal University of Uberlândia (IP-UFU). He holds a Master's in Philosophy from the Graduate Program in Philosophy at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (PPGF-UFRJ) and a Doctorate in Philosophy from the same program.

References

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JUNG, C. G. Memórias, sonhos, reflexões. 31. ed. Rio de Janeiro: Nova Fronteira, 2016.

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JUNG, C. G. Os arquétipos e o inconsciente coletivo. 11.ed. Petrópolis: Vozes, 2014. (Obras completas de C.G. Jung, v. 9/1).

JUNG, C. G. Psicologia e religião. Petrópolis: Vozes, 1987. (Obras completas de C.G. Jung, v. 11/1).

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PORTELA, B. de O. S. O conceito religião no pensamento de Carl Gustav Jung. Sacrilegens, [s. l.], v. 10, n. 1, p. 46–61, 2013. Disponível em: https://periodicos.ufjf.br/index.php/sacrilegens/article/view/26743. Acesso em: 10 nov. 2025.

RODRIGUES, M. H. Algumas considerações sobre o estudo da simbologia religiosa. Percurso Acadêmico, [s. l.], v. 2, n. 3, p. 45–58, 2012. Disponível em: https://periodicos.pucminas.br/index.php/percursoacademico/article/view/3524. Acesso em: 10 nov. 2025.

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Published

2026-02-09

Issue

Vol. 26 No. 1 (2026): Existência, Práxis e Valores Humanos

Section

Artigos

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Copyright (c) 2026 Gustavo Henrique de Feitas Coelho, Leonardo Ferreira Almada

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How to Cite

COELHO, Gustavo Henrique de Freitas; ALMADA, Leonardo Ferreira. The intersection between religiosity and psyche in the work of Carl Gustav Jung: na analysis of the concepts of symbol, collective unconscious, and archetype. Revista Ágora Filosófica, Recife, PE, Brasil, v. 26, n. 1, p. 58–79, 2026. DOI: 10.25247/P1982-999X.2026.v26n1.p58-79. Disponível em: https://periodicos.unicap.br/agora/article/view/3440. Acesso em: 23 oct. 2026.