J. F. Pagel - Böcker

Approx.250 pagesApprox.250 pages

Dreaming is the cognitive state uniquely experienced by humans and integral to our creativity, the survival characteristic that allows for the rapid change and innovation that defines our species and provides the basis for our art, philosophy, science, and humanity. Yet there is little empiric or scientific evidence supporting the generally accepted dream-based theories of neuroconsciousness. Dream Science examines the cognitive science of dreaming and offers an evidence-based view of the phenomenon.

Today, such evidence-based breakthroughs in the field of dream science are altering our understanding of consciousness. Different forms of dreaming consciousness occur throughout sleep, and dreamlike states extend into wake. Each dream state is developed on a framework of memories, emotions, representational images, and electrophysiology, amenable to studies utilizing emerging and evolving technology. Dream Science discusses basic insights into the scientific study of dreaming, including the limits to traditional Freudian-based dream theory and the more modern evidence-based science. It also includes coverage of the processes of memory and parasomnias, the sleep-disturbance diagnoses related to dreaming. This comprehensive book is a scientific exploration of the mind-brain interface and a look into the future of dream science.

Provides a more evidence-based approach than any other work on the market Single source of integrated information on all aspects of dream science makes this a critical time-saving reference for researchers and clinicians Authored by one of the leaders in the field of dream research

Machine Dreaming and Consciousness is the first book to discuss the questions raised by the advent of machine dreaming. Artificial intelligence (AI) systems meeting criteria of primary and self-reflexive consciousness are often utilized to extend the human interface, creating waking experiences that resemble the human dream. Surprisingly, AI systems also easily meet all human-based operational criteria for dreaming. These "dreams� are far different from anthropomorphic dreaming, including such processes as fuzzy logic, liquid illogic, and integration instability, all processes that may be necessary in both biologic and artificial systems to extend creative capacity.

Today, multi-linear AI systems are being built to resemble the structural framework of the human central nervous system. The creation of the biologic framework of dreaming (emotions, associative memories, and visual imagery) is well within our technical capacity. AI dreams potentially portend the further development of consciousness in these systems. This focus on AI dreaming raises even larger questions. In many ways, dreaming defines our humanity. What is humanly special about the states of dreaming? And what are we losing when we limit our focus to its technical and biologic structure, and extend the capacity for dreaming into our artificial creations? Machine Dreaming and Consciousness provides thorough discussion of these issues for neuroscientists and other researchers investigating consciousness and cognition.

Addresses the function and role of dream-like processing in AI systems Describes the functions of dreaming in the creative process of both humans and machines Presents an alternative approach to the philosophy of machine consciousness Provides thorough discussion of machine dreaming and consciousness for neuroscientists and other researchers investigating consciousness and cognition

The Electrical Fields of Consciousness: Brain Waves and Dreaming examines neuro-electrophysiology from its origins in the electrical fields of primitive organisms to its roles in the electrophysiologically defined states of human consciousness. This volume presents and cogently organizes the wide spectrum of information available as to how and why bioelectrical fields are used to define and function in supporting both life and consciousness. Integrating electrophysiology in a comprehensible manner into neuroanatomical, electromagnetic, and global platform theories of neuroconsciousness, this book brings together the wide spectrum of available data-based evidence regarding the physiology and functions of bioelectric fields and their relationship to consciousness.Chapters examine the origin and potential function of bioelectrical fields and EEG associations with conscious states, as well as the relationship between electrical fields and consciousness. Incorporating the basic science, clinical correlates, and functional potential of CNS bioelectrical fields, this book is a must-read for all working in the field of CNS electrophysiology or neuroconsciousness.Addresses our current understandings of the origin and potential functions of bioelectricityIntegrates electrophysiology into current theories of neuroconsciousness, presenting within an historic research and clinical contextExplores the origin, nature, bioenergetics, and potential genetic effects of synchronous physiologic electrical fields and their use as markers for life and deathAddresses the definition and assessment of consciousness in human and non-human systems and reviews electrophysiological markers of wake and sleep consciousness statesDiscusses electrophysiologic drug and disease correlates as well as modern forms of electrical therapy

This issue reviews the current status of scientific dream study and offers the most up-to-date reviews on topics such as dream recall (including variables affecting dream recall, and the psychopathology of altered dream recall), dream content (including the assessment of dream content and variables affecting dream content), dreaming and cognitive functions (dreaming and emotional processing, personality and psychopathology, and learning and memory), disordered dreaming (such as nightmares in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder, dreaming epiphenomena of narcolepsy, and parasomnias), medications altering dreaming, and the role of dreams in psychotherapy. Because sleep and dreams are inextricably linked, it is important for every sleep specialist to have an understanding of the current scientific understanding of normal and disordered dreaming.