Basic assumptions and some concepts of the psychoanalytic theory of action

Is psychoanalytic dream interpretation possible?

Pragmatics & Cognition ◽

10.1075/pc.2.1.03bla ◽

1994 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

pp. 71-94

Author(s):

Rachel B. Blass

Keyword(s):

Psychoanalytic Theory ◽

Dream Interpretation ◽

The Self ◽

General Process ◽

Basic Assumptions ◽

The Individual

In this paper I explore the question of whether the dream can be assumed to have any inherent meaning that can become accessible to the awake analyzer of the dream. For this purpose I adopt the basic assumptions underlying the general process of ascription of meaning in psychoanalytic theory and examine whether these assumptions are applicable to dreams. I conclude that because of the possible discontinuity of the self between the wakeful and dreaming states, these assumptions cannot be straightforwardly applied to that context. I go on to show that these problems do not, however, preclude the possibility of dream interpretation. Attunement and awareness to certain kinds of experience that the individual at times may feel in relation to his or her dream provide evidence that meanings inherent to the dream are, in fact, accessible.

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Tadeusz Tomaszewski and His Theory of Action

European Psychologist ◽

10.1027/1016-9040.1.1.51 ◽

1996 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

pp. 51-55 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Maria Materska

Keyword(s):

Theory Of Action ◽

Scientific Disciplines ◽

History Of

Tadeusz Tomaszewski, born in 1910, graduate of the Jan Kazimierz University, Lvov, doctor honoris causa of Marja Sklodowska-Curie University, Lublin, is an exceptional figure in the history of Polish psychology. His scientific accomplishments and organizational talents, multipled by the achievements of his students, had a decisive impact on the shape and prestige of Polish psychology among other scientific disciplines and determined the rank of Polish psychology in the international arena.

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