Fantasy and Reality  

Abstract

Is there a link between fantasy, imagination and Platonism (irrelevant of whether one believes Platonism to be true)?

For instance, if we imagine a 'perfect' circle that is not absolutely feasible in reality, does this compare to a musical idea that is similarly 'difficult' (with or without performance?). Is, in this sense, a score in reality a fantasy? And then what about other aspects of our imaginations? How does all this compare with fantasy? Do we really wish our fantasies to become reality? And if they become reality, do they subsequently remain 'fantastic'?

Similarly, if there's a link between, say, an artistic fantasy and any other sort, are there links between the type or nature of these fantasies?

Another thing about fantasies is, of course, that they are in general, private matters. When they relate to the fantasies of others then between those people there may exist a particular bond or affection, at least in relationship to the fantasies that they share - most obviously, perhaps, seen between two newly acquainted lovers. However, it is quite evident that these fantasies do not necessarily remain synchronised - visions may bifurcate and individuals find that a once shared fantasy is now little more than an embarrassment. At these points it is likely that our fantasies may separate us from the rest of the world. If no one is there to share them, what else can happen? More acutely, there are many who fantasise about things which are directly or indirectly condemned by society. There are many instances of individuals who have to find their way through this loneliness and rejection.

Can these, often unhealthy fantasies in any way relate to the lofty visions of mathematicians or musicians?

On a recent radio interview, Iris Murdoch's husband, xxxxxx, revealed aspects of 'fantasies' that he had experienced concerning his wife's condition (senile dementia) - how this condition had effected his relationship with her and how he felt about her. The clear undercurrent was that these, often disturbing ideas, are actually very common, and that they are present amongst many, if not all, relationships. Are these fantasies symptoms of frustration or something deeper - a reflection or echo of our less 'civilised' past?

If the latter is the case, why do we feel it necessary to keep these things private - why do so many people find it impossible or uncomfortable to discuss such things - on a less personal level, why do people insist on applying less controversial reasons for otherwise blatantly self-protecting behaviour?

Equally extraordinary is the recent case of Binjamin Wilkomirski whose book 'Fragments' concerning his experiences as a child survivor of the Nazi Concentration camps has been questioned by Daniel Ganzfried. Within the last few weeks the German publisher of the book has withdrawn it in response to this possible fraud. The question is, if the fraud is true, whether Wilkomirski is mad or bad.

Intriguingly, there seems to be a dirth of literature concerning Music and Sexuality. As someone told when asking about this, this is rather strange especially as 'music is sex'.

And what about people who are Jewish and want to be subjected by prostitutes to make-believe concentration camp routines? Or a man who has fantasies of world domination and finds relief in being told to lick clean a soiled toilet bowl?