Interpretation of Dreams: Freud Vs. Jung

Interpretation of Dreams: Freud Vs. Jung

Works Cited Not Included

Many philosophers, psychiatrists, and doctors have tried to explain the role of the unconscious, mostly through interpreting dreams; two who lead the way in the field of dream interpretation were Sigmund Freud and his most famous pupil, Carl Jung. By reviewing these men's views we can come to a better understanding of the role of the unconscious.

Both Freud and Jung believe in the existence of a conscious and unconscious mind. To better understand the difference between the two psychologists often use the analogy of an iceberg. The part of the iceberg above the surface of the water and can be seen by anyone is the conscious mind. It is the part of the mind we "live in" and contains information that we are aware of. The majority of the iceberg, which is below the surface of the water, is what Freud referred to as the "unconscious" and that Jung referred to as the "personal unconscious." This is where thoughts, feelings, urges, and temptations are that are difficult to bring out in consciousness. These are things that we do not associate with who we are and thus become repressed. The best ways to find these repressed feelings are through dreams.

Sigmund Freud believed that a persons dreams fulfilled wishes and gave that person a sense of accomplishment to something they may not have been able to achieve.

To prove Freud's theory he referred to a dream that he could produce as often as he wanted to. He explained that if he ate anything salty before he went to bed he would develop a thirst during the night which would wake him up. However, before he woke up he noted the he always had a specific dream first. This dream was that he was drinking cold water ...

... middle of paper ...

... or model of which all things of the same type are representations or copies. This tendency for everyone in an area to perceive and act in certain ways is where Jung theory of collective unconscious comes from. Jung explains that what we dream, we have understanding of, be it intellectually or emotionally, which contradicts Freud's theory of unconsciously fulfilling wishes completely.

Both Freud and Jung have there own views on dream interpretation, combine the two and it seems that we can come to a better understanding of the importance of our dreams. It seems that you cannot interpret a dream solely using Freud's theory or visa a versa with Jung's theories. Combining the two would offer a non-bias, well rounded interpretation which could encompass both, wish fulfillment, as Freud proposed, and consciously intending to create your dreams, as Jung believed.