For Keppe, the concept of consciousness is dialectical*, and expresses two distinct functions: first, an ethical, or moral “conscience”; second, the idea of “knowing” something. The first is linked to our feelings of love and goodness, which impel us to be good, correct, and truthful; the second, to our thinking mind which gathers data and experience, works with it, and files what it learns in the memory.
The union of the two functions forms a third and complete element, which is consciousness in the trilogical sense. Strictly speaking, this is the only definition of this word that conveys a sense of the true lucidity and wisdom that enables an individual to develop himself and form a perfect trilogy.
Keppe calls his work Trilogy because it works toward the union of feeling (the first ethical element) and thought (the second element), so as to arrive at consciousness (the third element).
If the human being omits ethical consciousness by distorting or denying what is good and correct, his consciousness will be incomplete, for intellect alone is not sufficient to sustain mental health.
If an individual is good and ethical but does not make adequate use of intellectual information, he will not develop to his full potential; because in order for consciousness to exist in the true sense one must acquire knowledge of reality.
We conclude, therefore, that consciousness can be greater or lesser depending on the degree of ethical and intellectual factors, and t will gradually increase as the individual forms a dialectic between the two.
The more ethical a person is and the greater his intellectual knowledge, the greater his consciousness. Obviously, the dishonest individual, no matter how much he reads, studies or becomes informed, will never gain as much consciousness as the person who is intelligent, well-informed and honest. Indeed, the dishonest individual is highly selective of the knowledge he acquires, choosing primarily to reject any knowledge of his errors; whereas the ethical individual accepts knowledge about everything, including his problems, and therefore is better able to correct them.
Keppe calls the mechanism of rejecting the ethical element of consciousness and denying one's mistakes and the mistakes of society, inconscientization or alienation. The human being tries to hide from his consciousness in order not to feel his guilt feelings, and by inconscientizing his guilt, he becomes alienated. The result: man has created all sorts of physical, psychological and social diseases.
* Dialectics: Process of seeking truth through dialogue between two real elements.
From: PACHECO, Cláudia Bernhardt de Souza. The ABC of Analytical Trilogy – Integral Psychoanalysis. São Paulo: Proton Publishing House, 1988.
Reflection:
True consciousness is the result of the union between ethical consciousness (love) and intelectual consciousness (knowledge). Have you noticed that your personal and professional development depends directly on accepting this union?
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