Abstract

Although Freud presented his theory of the unconscious as a groundbreaking innovation, we find remote antecedents. This article analyzes the approach of personalist psychology, which offers three unconscious instances: sensible, intellective, and volitional. I trace this approach back to the tradition initiated by Plato and progressively developed by kindred thinkers up to modern times. In particular, I highlight the contributions of Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, and Rosmini. To conclude, I show that their earlier conception of the unconscious corresponds to the general characteristics of the Freudian notion while also differing radically in their ontological significance and anthropological implications.