Definition of psyche

The word "psyche" derives from the ancient Greek word ψυχή (psūkhē), which has both philosophical and literary roots. In Greek philosophy, "psyche" meant "soul" or "breath of life," and was sometimes used interchangeably with "spirit" or "mind." The idea of the soul as an immortal entity separate from the body was a cornerstone of Greek metaphysics, and Plato explored these themes extensively in his dialogues, such as the Phaedrus. In Greek literature and mythology, "psyche" referred to a winged spirit associated with the soul or the mind. In the famous love story of Cupid and Psyche, found in the Roman poet Apuleius' novel "Metamorphoses," Psyche represents the human soul's longing for union with the divine. In the context of modern psychology, "psyche" came to signify the totality of an individual's psychological processes, encompassing thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. The concept was popularized by the Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, who believed that the psyche consisted of both conscious and unconscious components, and could be accessed and explored through Jungian analysis. Today, the term "psyche" is still used in academic and medical contexts to describe the mental and behavioral aspects of human experience, from the field of psychology to the medical diagnosis of mental disorders.