 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
||||||
|
|||||||
you are here: > UCA >
15. Self aware life
| 15.3 |
The concept of dreaming |
|
| Dreaming appears a trait of all placentals (mammals). Science has shown conclusively that the vast majority of species enter some kind of dream state during their periods of sleep. Dolphins dream. Whales dream. Pigs, Sheep, Cows all dream. Elephants and tigers dream. Closer to home, we see cats and dogs dream. | ||
| In terms of the human process and experience of dreaming, we will discuss this in more detail further in the following sections. However, it is worthwhile noting some common traits associated with dreaming and placental mammals. | ||
|
Dreaming occurring within certain phases of sleep It is recognizes that dreaming occurs during certain phases of sleep, a period of rest for the animal, usually in a prone state. |
||
|
Rapid eye movement Rapid eye movement is a common trait of most placental mammals during phases of dreaming. |
||
|
Increased brain wave activity Increased brain wave activity during periods of dreaming has been detected in all placental mammals observed appearing to dream. |
||
|
Movements Often dreaming is associated with the movement of limbs, twitches indicating some kind of simulated messaging from the brain. |
||
| 15.3.1 | The ability to dream is an excellent measure of self-aware life | |
| Whereas some tests, such as cognitive ability are often unique to certain species and even certain test subjects of placental mammals, the occurrence of dreaming by a species is an excellent measure of a self-aware species. | ||
| By "self-aware", we imply the ability and cognition to independently construct thoughts and emotions to some extent and complexity. There is no indication that during periods of dreaming, that dogs for example, do not dream of happy and even sad times during their lives. | ||
Copyright © 2010 UCADIA. All rights reserved. |
||