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 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.

Human Nature Review

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