According to Carl Jung, what is the collective unconscious?

• A. A set of shared, inherited memories and archetypes common to all humans
• B. A set of repressed desires and wishes from early childhood
• C. A collection of personal experiences unique to each individual
• D. A conscious awareness of cultural traditions learned during childhood

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that Carl Jung's theory of the collective unconscious refers to a part of the unconscious mind that is shared among all humans, rather than being unique to an individual.
2. Recognize that this collective unconscious contains universal elements called archetypes, which are inherited and common across cultures and time periods.
3. Differentiate the collective unconscious from the personal unconscious, which consists of an individual's unique experiences and memories.
4. Note that the collective unconscious is not about conscious awareness or learned cultural traditions, but rather about innate, inherited psychological structures.
5. Summarize that the collective unconscious is best described as a set of shared, inherited memories and archetypes common to all humans.