The Self and Psychology

Paper Summary:

This paper considers how the metaphor of alchemy is a metaphor of becoming, suggesting in terms of psychology that the old dream of turning base metals into gold can serve as a metaphor for changing the personality and for observing the process as it takes place. The nature of this metaphor is stated clearly by Schwartz-Salant (1998) when he writes 'Because alchemy is characterized by a peculiar identification between the alchemist and the material with which he or she works, personal and material transformation are intertwined so closely as to defy their separation'. The paper further discusses how this linkage is part of the complex metaphor of alchemy which accepts the possibility that changes in the personality of the artisan somehow effect changes in the matter with which he or she is working.

More papers on The Self and Psychology:

• Research Paper # 94536 : "The Self"
• Persuasive Essay # 148369 : "Ethics and Psychology in Business Management"
• Essay # 110541 : "Refuting the Self-Control Theory of Criminal Behavior"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: