The Role of Dreams in the Evolution of the Human Mind
In a new article in Human Nature Review, Franklin et al. argue that “Rather than a simple threat rehearsal mechanism, it is argued that dreams reflect a more general virtual rehearsal mechanism that is likely to play an important role in the development of human cognitive capacities.” The Role of Dreams in the Evolution of […]
In a new article in Human Nature Review, Franklin et al. argue that “Rather than a simple threat rehearsal mechanism, it is argued that
dreams reflect a more general virtual rehearsal mechanism that is likely to play an important role in the development of human cognitive capacities.”
The Role of Dreams in the Evolution of the Human Mind
Michael S. Franklin, Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, 525
East University Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA. (Corresponding author)
Michael J. Zyphur, Tulane University, Department of Psychology, 2007
Percival Stern Hall, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA.
Original Article
Evolutionary Psychology 3: 59-78
Abstract: This paper presents an evolutionary argument for the role of
dreams in the development of human cognitive processes. While a theory by
Revonsuo (2000) proposes that dreams allow for threat rehearsal and
therefore provide an evolutionary advantage, the goal of this paper is to
extend this argument by commenting on other fitness-enhancing aspects of
dreams. Rather than a simple threat rehearsal mechanism, it is argued that
dreams reflect a more general virtual rehearsal mechanism that is likely to play an important role in the development of human cognitive capacities. This paper draws on current work in cognitive neuroscience and philosophy of mind in developing the argument.
Keywords: Dreams, sleep, REM sleep, evolution, philosophy of mind, cognitive neuroscience.
_/_/_/_/ SCR COMMENT
Revonsuo – The biological function of dreaming: threat simulation in the sleeping brain?
Revonsuo – The threat simulation theory – FAQ
Bonjour de France,
Sorry but I can’t explain in english.
Since more than 14 years I’m trying to interest people for the translation of dreams.
I propose an easy test on my website : tension = dream (often)
I say Dream is like a DNA beavioring. No dream (remining) mean to sleep of the sleep of the just.
Nobody hear me (!?)
Thank you.
Sincèrement.
Amar