IAJS Online Conference 2025
“The dynamism of the psyche expresses itself in the flow of life energy,
and this energy is never lost but is constantly transformed.”
(C.G. Jung, Collected Works, Vol. 8: The Structure and Dynamics of the Psyche)
Jungian psychology emphasizes the dynamic nature of the psyche—an ever-evolving interplay of vitality and transformation. This year’s conference explores the concept of the vital force, a central thread in Jung’s theories, and how it manifests in contemporary life and thought.
Jung viewed the psyche as an energetic system where unconscious energies—when encountered by consciousness—propel transformation and growth. But how do we understand the vital force today? Is it a psychological current, a spiritual essence, or even a cultural phenomenon? Furthermore, how does the vital force manifest in collective and individual life?
In a world of polarization, political shifts, identity transformations, ecological crises, and rapid technological evolution, the vital force may appear fragmented or obscured. On the other hand, the dynamism of contemporary life might just be the expression of the manifest impact on and resulting transformation initiated by this force. The conference invites participants to explore how this force can cause destruction as well as catalyze renewal, illuminate the shadow, and reinvigorate the individual and collective psyche.