Chapter 6, "Primitive Levels of Evil" (10/5-10/11)

jjones

Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law!

Apologies again for posting late. Here are this week's discussion questions:

Do you agree with von Franz's assertion that there is a fundamental ethical drive built into the human psyche? Why or why not? (Since the whole chapter is built from this thesis, and there is a lot of philosophical thought about the nature of Evil, this question is rather significant context for how you understand the rest of the chapter).
How does von Franz's interpretation of the Freudian Superego relate to your understanding of the Holy Guardian Angel? How are they similar and different? If you are familiar with Freud, do you agree with von Franz's definition of the Superego?
Von Franz talks about how the Superego contains what is ethically correct for the Society we live in, though mentions that as we develop, we must develop a more individualized and nuanced perspective on morality. How does this impact your understanding of ethical codes in Holy Texts (such as the Bible) and their relative significance? Is it ever possible to codify ethics or are they something too ambiguous and case by case? Does the global code of ethics implied in her interpretation of the Superego provide argument for a moralistic pantheistic deity?
Given her story about the analysis of the person accused of murder, do you agree with her that some people are past the point of no return? How do we know when someone has crossed that line?
How did you feel about the folktales presented in this chapter? How did they inform your view of Evil? Do you agree with her analyses of these stories? Why or why not?
How do you feel about the "primitive" perspective on Evil as possession? If you disagreed with von Franz's initial assertion that humans are born ethically good, is it still possible to experience possession? What are the advantages and disadvantages of perceiving bad behavior as possession by an evil entity? How does possession relate to modern Psychology? What is the difference between demonic possession and mental illness? What is the difference between naming a demon and naming a mental illness?
Bonus fun question! When von Franz was describing ancient Greek practices of "black magic," do you think she was describing the Goetic tradition of Solomonic Magick? If you agree with the "demonic possession" model of mental illness, is Solomonic Magick inherently "black magic"? How does Solomonic Magick compare to indigenous traditions (especially those that have villagers who visit the Medicine Man to cure spiritual ailment/poison)?

I hope you all have fun thinking about these questions! I look forward to your responses!

Love is the Law, Love under Will.