Freud’s Theory of Dreams: A Philosophico-Scientific Perspective (Dialog-on-Freud)

Freud’s Theory of Dreams: A Philosophico-Scientific Perspective evaluates Freud’s theory of dreams in light of the many philosophical and scientific criticisms that have been brought against it. Michael T. Michael addresses the validity of Freud’s method of dream interpretation, the scientific nature of the theory, and how Freud’s ideas bear up to modern research on dreams, engaging on the way with critics such as Ludwig Wittgenstein, Clark Glymour, Karl Popper, Adolf Grünbaum, and J. Allan Hobson. Michael reaches beyond the traditional “for” and “against” polarity to offer a more balanced perspective on Freud’s theory. He argues that reports of the demise of Freud’s theory have been greatly exaggerated, and instead the theory is a live hypothesis fully deserving of continued scientific exploration. Contents 9 Introduction 13 Part I - The Reasonableness of Freuds Theory 29 1 Meaning 31 2 Wishes 55 Part II - The Validity of Freuds Method 93 3 Jigsaw Pieces 95 4 Interconnections 115 Part III - The Scientificity of Freuds Theory 143 5 False Negatives 145 6 False Positives 171 Part IV - In the Crucible of Science 191 7 Brainwaves 193 8 Mind-Blocks 213 Conclusion: Finding the Seed of Gold 239 Bibliography 245 Index 253 About the Author 259 Michael T. Michael Evaluates Freud S Theory Of Dreams In Light Of Major Criticisms And Scientific Research. Approaching The Issue From The Vantage Of The History And Philosophy Of Science, He Argues That The Theory Is A Live Hypothesis Fully Deserving Of Continued Scientific Exploration.