Who introduced the concept of the collective unconscious?

The concept of the collective unconscious was introduced by Carl Jung, a Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst who founded analytical psychology. Jung proposed that, beyond the personal unconscious, there exists a collective unconscious shared among all humans. This collective unconscious contains universal experiences and archetypes, which are innate, instinctual patterns and symbols that inform human behavior and experiences across cultures and throughout history. Jung's ideas emphasized the idea that our minds are shaped not only by personal experiences but also by the shared heritage of humanity, which connects individuals across different backgrounds and societies.

His work in this area differentiated his theories from those of other psychologists, particularly Sigmund Freud, who focused more on the personal unconscious and the influence of repressed experiences on behavior. Thus, Carl Jung is recognized for introducing key concepts that expanded the understanding of the human psyche beyond individual experiences.