The Art of Inquiry

Review.

In an impressive attempt to create a depth psychological framework for research, Joseph Coppin and Elizabeth Nelson have effectively created a manual for a depth psychological approach to living.

Ostensibly intended for researchers seeking a theoretical approach to their work, The Art of Inquiry has much to offer those interested in depth psychology, generally. Their Philosophical Commitments of Depth Psychology offer a wide-ranging perspective on the modes and tendencies of psyche, while their Moves of Psychological Inquiry offer a series of techniques for applying depth psychological principles in one’s research and, more broadly, in one’s days.

For readers seeking a path for living a life in cooperation with the imaginal psyche, Coppin and Nelson provide an inspiring framework.

Adopting a welcoming attitude toward psychic persons [subpersonalities, complexes, etc.] provides an experience of the multiple psyche and compelling evidence of the psyche’s autonomy. Furthermore, it encourages one to relate to psyche as Psyche — just as one would regard any other good friend.

— The Art of Inquiry p. 123-124