On Dreams

Main Ideas

• Dreams as a continuation of sensory perception: Aristotle considers dreams as a continuation of sensory perception that occurs during sleep. He argues that dreams are connected to the sensations experienced while awake.
• The nature of dreams: Aristotle investigates the nature of dreams, asserting that they are not divine omens but rather the result of physiological processes within the body.
• The role of imagination: Aristotle emphasizes the role of imagination in the formation of dreams. He believes that imagination is active during sleep and influences the content of dreams.
• Dreams and health: Aristotle also examines the connection between dreams and a person's health. He suggests that dreams can reflect the physical state of the body and be used for diagnosing illnesses.
• Critique of mystical interpretations: Aristotle criticizes mystical and superstitious interpretations of dreams, arguing that they lack scientific basis and cannot serve as reliable predictions of the future.