The Dream for Plato

By Professor Caverna | OPINION

Have you ever stopped to think about what dreams really are? Those intriguing moments in our mind that transport us to surreal scenarios, make us relive everyday situations from a new perspective or even create realities that seem impossible. Yes, the act of dreaming has aroused curiosity and reflection throughout history, not only among scientists and psychologists, but also among philosophers. And one of these thinkers was Plato, the Greek philosopher who revolutionized Western thought with his profound and timeless ideas.

For Plato, dreams were not mere nocturnal reveries or distractions of the mind during sleep. He saw dreams as something much more significant: a gateway to the depths of the human soul and, perhaps, to the World of Ideas itself. Sounds complex? Let's understand it better.

Plato believed that the human soul was composed of three distinct parts: the rational, the irascible, and the appetitive. The rational part is the one that seeks truth, wisdom, and understanding, as if it were the driver of a chariot. The irascible part is linked to strong emotions, such as courage and fury, functioning as the horse that drives the chariot. Finally, the appetitive part is the one that connects to desires and pleasures, such as hunger, love, and the desire to enjoy life — the horse that often tries to pull the chariot in the wrong direction. During the day, the rational part usually plays its role of control, guiding actions and thoughts. But at night, when we sleep, this part also goes to rest.

And what happens when the soul's pilot "turns off"? Following Plato's logic, this is when the other parts of the soul gain space to manifest themselves, often through dreams. Repressed desires, hidden fears and even unrecognized feelings can emerge at this stage, creating narratives that range from the bizarre to the revealing. But, for Plato, dreams were not just that.

One of the central points of Plato's thought is his famous theory of the World of Ideas. According to him, everything that exists in the physical world is an imperfect copy of perfect ideas that reside in a metaphysical plane. Imagine, for example, a chair. Any chair in the real world is just an imperfect representation of the idea of ​​“chair” that exists in the ideal world. For Plato, our senses deceive us, and only reason is capable of accessing these eternal truths.

And what about dreams? Plato saw them as a unique opportunity to connect with this higher world. When the rational part of the soul relaxes, it is as if a door opens, allowing glimpses of these perfect ideas. Dreaming, therefore, is not just about reliving experiences or giving vent to desires, but also a chance to explore something deeper and more transcendental. During dreams, we may be able to come closer to universal truths or understand something about our own essence.

In his work The Republic, Plato discusses dreams as a reflection of our character and the choices we make while awake. He suggests that during sleep, the most primitive and wild desires of the soul can emerge. However, a just person is one who can keep these impulses under control, even in dreams, while an unjust person allows these desires to dominate their dream experience. Thus, dreams are not just a passive state; they are a mirror of our moral and spiritual condition.

Plato also invites us to reflect on the importance of cultivating a balanced and virtuous life, as this directly influences not only our daytime behavior, but also what emerges during sleep. If we live in search of truth and harmony, our dreams can be spaces for learning and growth. Otherwise, we may encounter nightmares that do not bring enlightenment, but rather confusion and restlessness.

Ultimately, Plato invites us to see dreams as much more than random phenomena. They are a valuable tool for understanding our own souls and perhaps even bringing us closer to universal truths. The next time you wake up from a strange or incredible dream, try to think about what it might be revealing. Has your soul taken a stroll through the World of Ideas? Or perhaps it is simply putting its desires to work?
And, as Plato would say, reflecting on this is always a good path to self-knowledge. After all, is philosophizing daydreaming about life's big questions?

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Note: Dear reader, the objective here is to stimulate your philosophical reflection, nothing more! nothing more!

“They took the primate out of the jungle, but not the jungle out of the primate” Prof Caverna

Caverna is a Philosophy professor, digital content creator and coordinator of the “Café Filosófico” project in Foz do Iguaçu.