What is the Lived Experience of Self-Realization: A Philosophic Hermeneutic Study

Abstract

This dissertation utilizes Merleau-Ponty’s theory of the Flesh and Jung’s theory of self-realization as a way to integrate the gained understanding into the current approach of psychotherapy as an altered attitude for the treatment of the psyche. The theories of Flesh and self-realization are used to approach a fundamental drive that leads to pathologies and wider consciousness (Merleau-Ponty, 2012; Jung, 1928/1977). This allows for the treatment of the psyche in consideration of this natural drive that enables the client’s transformation toward wholeness through the individuation process (Jung, 1959/1969, 1928/1977, 1951/1978). The Flesh is described by Merleau-Ponty as an elemental general manner of “being” (Merleau-Ponty, 1968), while self-realization is described by Jung as wholeness. This philosophic hermeneutic research recognizes the importance of gaining greater understanding of the phenomenon of self-realization. Merleau-Ponty and Jung understood the significance that opposites and their relationship with one another play in this developmental process, that is, reversibility and tension of opposites (Merleau-Ponty, 2012; Jung, 1928/1977). Jung’s depth psychological and Merleau-Ponty’s phenomenological understanding of the symbol’s capacity synthesize the opposites, thereby widening consciousness ultimately to self-realization are presented.