The Dreaming Mind: Understanding Consciousness During Sleep

The Dreaming Mind offers an interdisciplinary approach to the study of dreaming, exploring its nature and implications for theories of consciousness, cognition, and the self. Drawing on research from philosophy, cognitive science, and psychology, the book reveals new insights into the sleeping and waking mind and discusses philosophical thinking, empirical dream research, and diverse dream experiences, including imaginative and hallucinatory dreaming, vicarious dreaming, and their implications for philosophy of the self.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 292 pages
Publication date: 27 February 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Dreaming Mind is a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of the enigmatic realm of dreaming, delving into its nature, and examining the profound implications of dream states for theories of consciousness, cognition, and the self. Drawing upon extensive research from philosophy, cognitive science, and psychology, the book unveils fresh insights into the sleeping and waking mind, challenging prevailing notions and paving the way for a deeper understanding of our mental processes.

In its pages, the book delves into philosophical concepts such as extended mind theory, theories of consciousness, and theories of the self, applying these to empirical dream research. It embraces a pluralistic perspective on dreaming, acknowledging the vast diversity in dream experiences, including imaginative, hallucinatory, and vicarious dreaming. By exploring these different dimensions, the book sheds light on the complexities of consciousness and its relationship to the dream state.

One of the key themes of The Dreaming Mind is the significance of dreaming for understanding higher-order thought theory, global workspace theory, and the phenomenal/access distinction. The book argues that dreams offer a unique window into the workings of the mind, providing insights into the nature of subjective experience and the relationship between the conscious and unconscious realms. It explores how dreams can challenge our assumptions about the nature of consciousness and how they can contribute to our understanding of the self and our place in the world.

Furthermore, the book discusses the philosophical implications of dreaming for the understanding of the self. It explores how dreams can shape our identity, alter our perception of ourselves, and provide a means of exploring our unconscious desires and fears. It questions the boundaries between the self and others, raising questions about the nature of personal agency and the role of dreams in shaping our sense of self.

In conclusion, The Dreaming Mind is a groundbreaking work that offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to the study of dreaming. By exploring the nature, implications, and philosophical dimensions of dreaming, the book provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the human mind and its enigmatic processes. It is essential reading for students and researchers of consciousness, dreams, philosophy, and cognitive sciences, as well as anyone who is curious about the mysteries of the mind and the power of dreams.

Weight: 442g
Dimension: 149 x 230 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032435244