FOREWORD

            Traditionally, the key difference between science and engineering is that science, is theoretical, whereas engineering is the practical, real-world application of science. The goal of pure scientists, such as physicists and chemists, is to develop mathematical equations that relate things in our physical world. However, engineers who try to apply these equations find that few of them are truly accurate. The predicted results of the equations are usually a little off.

             To make the elegant equations come out right, a new factor has to be added. Engineers call this small increment the experiential factor, or chaos. These tiny amounts cannot be found from mathematics, but only by careful experimental work. They are generally presented in the form of tables or charts where specific factors are to be used in specified instances. These are also jokingly referred to, by many applied scientists, as fudge factors. In this book we call the experiential factor the Chaos Factor.

            Most modern scientists readily admit that the Chaos Factor is alive and well throughout our world. But does it only apply to physical objects or is it applicable to our minds as well? Is there a relationship between science and psychology, and specifically between modern chaos theory and the human mind?

            Our research suggests that the analytical psychology of Carl Jung demonstrates a tantalizing relationship between chaos theory and psychology. Jung clearly defined the psyche and its central component, the ego, as complex dynamic systems. Unfortunately Jung died at the time chaos theory was in its infancy and was unaware of its findings. When we applied the findings of chaos theory to the psyche and ego, as defined by Jung, we discovered that the Chaos Factor is alive and well in the inner world of the mind as well as in our outer physical world.

Gerald and Betty Schueler, 2001