Theories of Consciousness Should Not Be Afraid of Dreams

In Alexander D. Carruth, Heidi Haanila, Paavo Pylkkänen & Pii Telakivi (eds.), True Colors, Time After Time: Essays Honoring Valtteri Arstila. Turku: University of Turku. pp. 53-69 (2024)
  Copy   BIBTEX

Abstract

This paper reviews some reasons for us believing that dreams are phenomenally conscious experiences. I point out that if dreams would be such then one should be able to draw analogies between them and waking conscious experiences at the level of folk psychology, behavior, and neuroanatomy. Instead, we find disanalogies at all these levels, so while we may have no strong reason to accept that dreams are unconscious, we have good reason to think they are different from conscious experiences. A safer bet is to think that they form a distinct sui generis psychological category. Sleep science should wait for consciousness science and until then treat its subject matter as distinct.

Author's Profile

Michał Klincewicz
Tilburg University

Analytics

Added to PP
2025-01-31

Downloads
65 (#100,851)

6 months
65 (#83,868)

Historical graph of downloads since first upload
This graph includes both downloads from PhilArchive and clicks on external links on PhilPapers.
How can I increase my downloads?