Dreams and Natural Science
Ole Vedfelt
Routledge eBooks May 18, 2017 DOI: 10.4324/9781315669717-2 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that cognitive dream theory, grounded in the 'continuity hypothesis' linking dreaming and waking cognition, is supported by studies indicating sleep and dreaming contribute to memory storage and consolidation. Describes Hoss's proposed parallels between dream experience and right-hemisphere processing and the view that dreams release culturally suppressed instinctual energy, and contends that dream models and uses reflect differing research strategies and 'knowledge interests.' |
Abstract
Cognitive dream theory is based on observations of the parallels between dreaming and waking cognition, the so-called ‘continuity hypothesis’. Many studies indicate that sleep and dreaming contribute to storing and consolidating elements of memory in various systems with differing functions. Robert Hoss, a former president of the International Association for the Study of Dreams, has described similarities between dream experiences and what is known as right hemisphere processing – as opposed to left hemisphere processing. Dreams allow an unconscious release of instinctual energy suppressed by culture so that civilized consciousness and self-perception are not violate. Much valuable knowledge about dreams has been established within the different lines of clinical experience and scientific research with dreams. The various theoretical models and practical uses of dreams have been developed with differing research strategies and “knowledge interests,” as German Philosopher Jurgen Habermas calls them.