Freud's Theory of Dreams by Michael T Michael

Freud's Theory of Dreams by Michael T Michael

Freud s Theory of Dreams evaluates Freud s theory of dreams in light of major criticisms and of scientific research. Rather than entering into polemics, however, Michael seeks to offer perspective and nuance to the debate. He offers perspective by approaching the subject from the vantage of the history and philosophy of science, and nuance by reaching beyond the traditional for and against polarity, asking instead whether the theory is more like alchemy misguided but important to the development of science or like eighteenth-century calculus right-minded but lacking in proper foundations. After analyzing Freud s arguments, he addresses the issues of the validity of the interpretative method, the scientificity of the theory, and how Freud s ideas bear up to modern neuroscientific and psychological research on dreams. This involves engaging with the views of critics such as Clark Glymour, Rosemarie Sand, Karl Popper, Adolf Grunbaum, Allan Hobson, and William Domhoff, and advocates such as Rachel Blass, Jim Hopkins, Mark Solms, and Claudio Colace. The conclusion is optimistic, holding the theory to be a live hypothesis fully deserving of continued scientific exploration.

From the outset, Michael makes clear his intent to offer an objective appraisal of Freud’s theory of dreams and of the views of Freud’s critics and defendersThe author truly achieves this, in balanced and unbiased examinations.  Not intended to be comprehensive, the book focuses on a number of key scholars, among them Ludwig Wittgenstein, Clark Glymour, Karl Popper, Adolf Grünbaum, J. Allan Hobson, William Domhoff, and Mark Solms.  The text is well researched and documented, clear, and articulate.  Michael does not strive to come up with a final resolution, instead focusing on the process of exploration and how aspects of various theories may play a part in dream theory in the future, as neuroscience continues to open new avenues.  An excellent addition to the literature on Freud. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty and professionals. * CHOICE *
A brilliant and authoritative analysis of the criticisms of Freud's theory of dreams which the author dismantles one by one. This book shows the scientific vitality and the great potential of Freud’s dream theory for current dream research and theory. Michael’s work is an invaluable resource for evaluate the actuality of Freud’s dream theory. -- Claudio Colace, ASL Viterbo, National Health Service, Italy

Michael Michael is associate professor at Underwood International College, Yonsei University.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9781442230446
ISBN 10	1442230444
Title	Freud's Theory of Dreams
Author	Michael T Michael
Series	Dialog-On-Freud
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Hardback
Publisher	Rowman & Littlefield
Year published	2015-09-10
Number of pages	258
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
Note	Unavailable