The Innermost Kernel [Hardcover]

Suzanne Gieser (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 3540208569 | ISBN-13: 978-3540208563 | Publication Date: February 14, 2005 | Edition: 1

The publication of W. Pauli's Scientific Correspondence by Springer-Verlag has motivated a vast research activity on Pauli's role in modern science. This excellent treatise sheds light on the ongoing dialogue between physics and psychology.

Editorial Reviews

Review

From the reviews: "This revised translation of a Swedish Ph. D. thesis in philosophy offers far more than a discussion of Wolfgang Pauli’s encounters with the psychoanalyst Carl Gustav Jung … . Here the book explains very well how Pauli attempted to extend his understanding beyond superficial esotericism and spiritism … . To understand Pauli one needs books like this one, which … seems to open a path to a fuller understanding of Pauli, who was seeking to solve a quest even deeper than quantum physics." (Arne Schirrmacher, Mathematical Reviews, Issue 2006 g) "This book is a revised and extended version of a doctoral thesis for the degree in philosophy at the University of Uppsala. It is an interesting compilation of basic material concerning Pauli and his contacts and thinking in the world of psychology. It gives moreover a good review of the man behind the physicist. The book contains very extensive bibliographic notes, and specific references. In brief, a must, for the interested reader. The hard cover book is nicely edited following Springer’s high-quality standards." (Roland Carchon, Physicalia, Vol. 28 (4-6), 2006) "Suzanne Gieser presents us with an exceptional work of scholarship, which should become a standard source of reference for anyone interested in a deeper understanding of Jung’s theories and their relationship to 20th century science. … the essential framework of her study derives its form and significance at least as much from the philosophy of science, particularly the implications for Jung’s analytical psychology of the epistemological conclusions of quantum mechanics. This is really where the value of this book lies … ." (George B. Hogenson, Journal of Analytical Psychology, Vol. 53, 2008)

From the Back Cover

"The Innermost Kernel" recounts the physicist and Nobel Laureate Wolfgang Pauli and his interest in Jungian psychology, philosophy and western world-view. It is also an exploration of the intellectual setting and context of Pauli's thinking, which has its starting point in the cultural and intellectual climate of fin-de-siècle Europe. As a contribution to the general history of quantum physics this study has a special focus on the psychological and philosophical issues discussed by physicists belonging to the Copenhagen school. The work is mainly based on the correspondence of the principle characters and explores some of the central issues discussed there, as for instance the subject-object relation, complementarity, the relation of conscious and unconscious, the process underlying concept-formation, the psychology of scientific discovery, the symbolic world of alchemy, the theories of archetypes and of synchronicity. Ultimately this book is about a remarkable scientist searching for a new understanding of the interrelatedness of man and world.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 250 pages
• Publisher: Springer; 1 edition (February 14, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 3540208569
• ISBN-13: 978-3540208563
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #742,120 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Innermost Kernel = Complementarity, June 28, 2011

By 

Benjamin Bell - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Innermost Kernel (Hardcover)

According to Wolfgang Pauli and Carl Jung, The Innermost Kernel is the philosophic notion of complementarity. From a nonfoundational perspective this means that the framework which guides truth (or absolute truth according to Hegel in the encyclopedia) is found in quantum physics and depth psychology. Obviously I could say more; however, one has to read the book! It is a crowning achievement in the fields of psychology and philosophy (I wouldn't add physics due the exceptionally positivistic nature of modern physics to believe anything can be considered revolutionary in that field). The book is also a true work of academia with 1200 footnotes and an Index that is the most detailed I've seen.

If anyone is seeking to understand the relationship between depth psychology and quantum physics this the book.

et. al. William James, Ludwig Wittgenstein, Niels Borh etc.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pauli And Jung - The Definitive Work, October 14, 2011

By 

cloud2013 - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Innermost Kernel (Hardcover)

Other books on this topic:
Deciphering the Cosmic Number. Author: Arthur I. Miller (Miller is a physicist)
Pauli and Jung. Author: David Lindorff (Lindorff is a psychologist)

The Innermost Kernel by Dr. Suzanne Gieser, is based on her Ph.d. Thesis. I have read both Miller's and Lindorff's books on this same topic and consider Dr. Gieser's work to be the definitive work. Well written and based on extensive research into the letters of Pauli and Jung, this book is essential to understanding the philosophical background and revolutionary character of Pauli and Jung's work on synchronicity and the interaction of spirit and matter. Although serviceable, the works of Miller and Lindorff pale in comparison to this great work.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for those interested in philosophy, physical theory and depth psychology. Try to get a used copy if possible since the price is VERY HIGH.

5 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What work!, November 4, 2007

By 

J. Shek (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Innermost Kernel (Hardcover)

Dr. Gieser has done more than recount, she has sensitively synthesized, created and advanced a beautiful platform for understanding the purpose of two different but similarly driven giants. A magnificent achievement!