The Aesthetic Value of Dreams
The Journal of Value Inquiry August 28, 2026 DOI: 10.1007/s10790-026-10107-7 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that dreams have aesthetic value through three main avenues: experiences of agency and action in novel situations, unique ambiences that evoke awe, and intense immersive experiences with an aesthetically interesting mental connection to the dreamer. |
Abstract
Abstract Dreams can be aesthetically valuable in many ways. They can provide opportunities for aesthetically rich experiences of agency and action, placing the dreamer into novel situations and taking her out of her usual network of motivations, commitments, and goals. Dreams can also feature unique ambiences and evoke awe both regarding their content and regarding consciousness itself. Finally, dreams are intense and immersive experiences that have an aesthetically interesting mental connection to the dreamer.