Final answer:
A universal human symbol in a dream is an archetype, a concept from Carl Jung's theory on the shared mythical characters or themes in the collective unconscious.
Step-by-step explanation:
A universal human symbol that can be seen in a dream is a(n) archetype.An archetype is a concept introduced by the psychologist Carl Jung, referring to universal, mythical characters or themes that reside within the collective unconscious of people the world over. Jung posited that our collective unconscious contains these archetypal images and motifs, such as the hero, the maiden, or the trickster, which are common across different cultures and symbolize basic human experiences and emotions.
These archetypes are present in various cultures, expressed through literature, art, and dreams. For example, the hero, the maiden, the sage, and the trickster are archetypal symbols found in folklore and fairy tales of every culture.These are not just characters but can also be objects or narratives, like the forbidden fruit or the journey home, as they present foundational patterns in our shared human story. Modern understanding indicates that while not genetically encoded, these archetypes arise from both inherent capabilities of the human mind and our shared experiences, reflecting the interplay between nature and nurture.