THE Catharsis it is a philosophical concept that means cleansing and purification. This concept is very broad, since it is used in various fields of knowledge: arts, psychology, medicine, religion, education, among others.
From the Greek, the term catharsis (Katharsis) means “purification”.
Catharsis in Philosophy
For the Greek philosopher Aristotle (384 a. C.-322 a. C.), the concept of catharsis, portrayed in his work "poetic art”, represented the purification of souls.
It occurred through a great discharge of feelings and emotions, provoked by the visualization of theatrical works: tragedies or dramas.
When the audience came into contact with poetic language, the audience was able to capture such emotions (terror, fear and pity) and thus free themselves from their own.
In that regard, Aristotle approaches the concept of catharsis in the arts. Over the years, the concept of catharsis has expanded and is currently part of several areas of knowledge, however, all of them derive from the conception presented by the Greek philosopher.
Catharsis in the Arts
Catharsis in the arts corresponds to the feeling of “cleanliness, lightness, renewal and purification” that human beings reach when they come into contact with some artistic work. We can mention painting, music, cinema, theater, dance, etc.
In other words, catharsis in the arts represents the release of emotional tension and provides strong emotions in addition to the feeling of relief.
See more at: What is Art?
Catharsis in Literature
Literature is the art of words and, like other artistic modalities, it conveys the sense of purging or purification brought about by catharsis.
Thus, when we read some literary text that causes us too much emotion and reflection, we may have been touched by a cathartic process.
See more at: What is Literature?
Catharsis in Pedagogy and Education
The concept of catharsis is also explored in the field of education and, therefore, in educational processes.
In this sense, the cathartic process occurs when students absorb and acquire the necessary tools to act as citizens, as well as reflect on their social practices.
In Historical-Critical Pedagogy (PHC), catharsis is a concept that has been explored by several thinkers. The Italian Marxist philosopher Antonio Gramsci (1891-1937) deserves to be highlighted. According to him, catharsis:
"(...) indicates the passage from the purely economic and corporate (or egoistic-possessive) movement to the movement ethical-political, that is, the superior elaboration of [infra]structure into superstructure in men's consciousness. The passage from "objective to subjective" and "need to freedom."
Catharsis in Religion
Catharsis is a concept also observed in many religions. Roughly speaking, it represents purification of the soul, deliverance from all sins, and communion with God.
The cathartic process can take place, for example, during prayer, religious celebration or confession. Thus, in different cults it is possible to visualize individual or collective catharsis (religious ecstasy).
From then on, people go into a trance, see visions, cry desperately or become overly happy.
Learn more about the topic: Religion
Catharsis in Psychology and Medicine
In psychology, catharsis is a concept that is closely related to freedom and healing from traumas, fears and illnesses.
In such a way, cathartic processes occur in patients when they overcome some trauma, fear or disturbance, through a psychic release.
In Medicine, catharsis is associated with the functions of the digestive system, being a term used to indicate the emptying of the intestine, through evacuation.
Catharsis for Freud
Sigmund Freud (1856-1939), an Austrian psychoanalyst, introduced the concept of catharsis into psychology. This, after he observed the cathartic states provoked in the hypnotic processes performed in patients who sought the cure of fears and traumas.
From this, Sigmund founded a branch of psychology called “Psychoanalysis”. It is based on the idea of exploring the “human psyche” through dialogue and the free association of ideas.
For Freud, patients did not need to be hypnotized to achieve catharsis. That is, it could occur during a conversation between the psychoanalyst and the patient.
In this way, in the conversation with the psychoanalyst, the patient would alleviate his psychic disturbances, aroused by various emotions and sensations that were repressed.