Jungian archetypes : Jung, Gödel, and the history of archetypes /

Robertson's intent is to trace the Renaissance ideal back to Pythagoras and Plato and then show how their ideas reappeared in the archetypal hypothesis of Jung and the mathematical ideas of Godel. His central theme is that both Jung and Godel believe the simple counting numbers are the primary archetypes that determine the order and structure of reality. The author's concise style is beneficial in presenting an overall history of math in relation to the evolution of consciousness. By the nature of the writing and expanse of the subject, leaps of suggestion integrate topics (e.g., to particle physics). Robertson mentions some current issues concerning Jung (e.g., sexism), but he does not critically examine them. Although critique is not the primary function of the text, it would add depth to the otherwise total acceptance of Jung's archetypal theories and opinions. The contents are well researched, but at times the reader may wonder what is a digression versus a significant point in the intent of the book. Overall, an interesting work appealing to a limited audience. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty J. Dodd Southeast Community College