Negativität in der Psychologie Jacob Böhmes

Abstract

This essay is dedicated to the shady sides of psychology in Jacob Boehme (1575-1624). At first, Boehme’s psychology is presented in its basic features. Then, in an excursus, the academic concept of the soul around 1600 is presented in order to show how Boehme differs from it. Evil as a problem of God’s justification is found in Boehme’s work on three levels: the wrath of God, his darkness, the devil as a performative figure, and finally the disgust of physicality are described in Boehme’s work in terms of their effect on the soul. Boehme’s writing draws its drama, its verve from this negativity. In writing Boehme fights against evil, and evil fights against him. Thus, in only five years, an extensive work is created that draws its writing energies from this struggle.

Keywords

• Jacob Boehme
• psychology
• soul
• negativity