The author argues that understanding the content of dreams is necessary for \(\underline{\hspace{3cm}}\).
Show Hint
- understanding the rest of the work from which this passage is drawn
- comprehending the therapeutic importance of dreams
- understanding delusional ideas
- accurately diagnosing a number of psychological conditions in patients
- understanding why he had difficulty choosing dreams to discuss in the work that follows
The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question asks what specific purpose the author assigns to the study of dreams, according to the first paragraph. We need to identify the direct consequence of failing to understand dreams.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The first paragraph states: "...one who cannot explain the origin of the content of dreams will strive in vain to understand phobias, obsessive and delusional ideas, and likewise their therapeutic importance."
The phrase "strive in vain" means to try without success. Therefore, the author is arguing that without understanding dreams, it is impossible to understand these other psychological phenomena.
Let's analyze the options:
- (A) & (E): These are about understanding the author's book, not the broader psychological importance he is claiming.
- (B): The sentence says one will fail to understand the "therapeutic importance" of phobias, etc., not of dreams themselves. The passage explicitly states dreams have "no claim to a corresponding practical significance."
- (C) This is directly stated. If you can't understand dreams, you will fail to understand "delusional ideas."
- (D): The text links understanding dreams to understanding phobias and delusions, but it doesn't explicitly mention "accurately diagnosing" them. "Understanding" is a broader concept than "diagnosing." Option (C) is a more direct and accurate reflection of the text.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The passage explicitly states that one who cannot explain dreams will fail to understand delusional ideas. Therefore, option (C) is the correct answer. The passage states this for phobias and obsessive ideas as well, but 'delusional ideas' is one of the options.
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