Metaphysics of Soul, Universal Spirit, and Consciousness

Abstract Jon Mills’ and Erik Goodwyn’s (2023) work Archetypal Origins establishes a foundation for ongoing dialogue about metaphysical origins for Jungian Psychology. This article explores tensions within their work, particularly concerning consciousness, agency, and the ontological status of matter. Examining Goodwyn’s cosmopsychism, it problematizes its treatment of matter and suggests an alternative framework. Retaining some of Goodwyn’s key themes of holism and formal cause, this variation of ontological idealism gives consciousness more primacy. The proposal suggests Universal Spirit as non-local absolute consciousness and Soul as a localized projection within the appearance of spacetime.