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Aphantasia, imagination and dreaming

DOI: 10.1007/s11098-020-01526-8
Whiteley, C. M. K. (2021). Aphantasia, imagination and dreaming. Philosophical Studies, 178(6), 2111–2132. doi:https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11098-020-01526-8

Abstract

Aphantasia is a recently discovered disorder characterised by the total incapacity to generate visual forms of mental imagery. This paper proposes that aphantasia raises important theoretical concerns for the ongoing debate in the philosophy and science of consciousness over the nature of dreams. Recent studies of aphantasia and its neurobehavioral correlates reveal that the majority of aphantasics, whilst unable to produce visual imagery while awake, nevertheless retain the capacity to experiencerich visual dreams.This finding constitutes a novel explanandum for theories of dreaming. Specifically, I argue that the recent dream reports of aphantasics constitute an empirical challenge to the emerging family of views which claim that dreams are essentially imaginative experiences, constitutively involving the kinds of mental imagery which aphantasics,ex-hypothesi,lack. After presenting this challenge in the context of Jonathan Ichikawa’s recent arguments for this view, I argue that this empirical challenge may be overcome if the imagination theorist abandons Ichikawa’s account of dreaming in favour of a modified version. This involves the claim that dreams are essentially inactive and constitutively involvenon voluntaryforms of imagination. I conclude with a suggestion for further research which can test the viability of this alternative hypothesis, and move the debate forward.

Authors

  • Cecily M. K. Whiteley1

Understanding Aphantasia and Its Impact on Dreams

Overview/Introduction

Aphantasia is a unique condition where individuals cannot create visual images in their minds. Despite this inability, many people with aphantasia still experience vivid visual dreams. This intriguing phenomenon challenges existing theories about the nature of dreams, particularly those that suggest dreams are purely imaginative experiences. The paper explores how aphantasia could reshape our understanding of dreaming and consciousness.

Methodology

The research involved analyzing recent studies on aphantasia and its effects on dreaming. The studies included surveys and questionnaires, such as the Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire (VVIQ), to assess the presence and quality of mental imagery in both waking and dreaming states among individuals with aphantasia.

Key Findings

  • Aphantasia Characteristics: People with aphantasia cannot voluntarily create mental images, yet many report experiencing rich visual dreams.
  • Challenge to Imagination Model: The findings contradict the imagination model of dreaming, which posits that dreams are imaginative experiences requiring mental imagery—a capacity aphantasics lack.
  • Alternative Explanation: The paper suggests that dreams might involve involuntary, passive forms of imagination, which do not require the active mental imagery that aphantasics cannot produce.

Implications

  • Rethinking Dream Theories: This research prompts a reconsideration of how dreams are conceptualized, suggesting that they might not be purely imaginative acts.
  • Broader Understanding of Consciousness: By studying aphantasia, researchers can gain insights into the nature of consciousness and the different ways the brain can generate experiences.
  • Future Research Directions: The paper encourages further studies to explore the neural mechanisms behind dreaming in aphantasics and to test the viability of the proposed alternative model of dreaming.

Limitations

  • Sample Size and Diversity: The studies on aphantasia are still limited in scope, with relatively small sample sizes. More extensive research is needed to generalize the findings.
  • Complexity of Dreaming: Dreams are complex phenomena influenced by various factors, making it challenging to isolate the effects of aphantasia on dreaming.
In conclusion, the study of aphantasia offers a fascinating window into the workings of the human mind, challenging existing theories and opening up new avenues for understanding dreams and consciousness.