The Subconscious and Unconscious Minds

Human consciousness has two parts to it : there is normal consciousness, in which we are aware of what we are thinking and doing, and there is a hidden consciousness, of which we are seldom aware. The aim of dynamic psychology is to explore this hidden feature of consciousness, which, for convenience, we can think of as being ‘below ’ normal consciousness.

In much of dynamic psychology literature, Freudians usually prefer the term ‘unconscious mind’, whilst Jungians prefer ‘subconscious mind’. This is actually quite convenient, since the two traditions deal with different aspects of the levels of mind below normal consciousness. ( There is a fairly superficial level, which Freud called the ‘preconscious’. But my analysis does not feature this, since I have nothing to add to what Freud wrote about it.)

Some of the levels of mind below normal consciousness have an effect on us that we can learn to detect moderately easily. There are also levels which are very hard to detect. Hence it is appropriate that there should be at least two different terms for these levels.

One level is fairly accessible if we make the effort, and I find that its contents are personal ; I call this level the ‘subconscious mind’. Whereas another level, which is harder to penetrate, features aspects of the mind which tend to be impersonal and collective to all humanity (such as emotions). This level  I call the ‘unconscious mind’.

If  I relate to someone at a personal level, then my subconscious mind will influence my interactions with that person. Whereas, when I centre on abstract or spiritual idealisms, such as ‘humanity’, then I am relating to others from an unconscious level, and so find it easier to be impartial.

The subconscious mind and the unconscious mind are the sources of both creativity and destructiveness. These influences impact on each person and help form his /her belief systems. Usually the person translates the influences of the unconscious mind into personal beliefs and attitudes. In turn, these form the strengths and weaknesses of his /her subconscious mind.

When my interactions have an aspect of symbolism, then such symbolism may be either personal or impersonal, or a bit of both.

I give a broad distinction between the subconscious mind and the unconscious mind in the article Characteristics of a Psycho-analysis, section Levels of the Mind. This is on my website The Subconscious Mind.

Copyright @2003  Ian Heath
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