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From: petersja@debussy.cs.colostate.edu (james peterson)
Newsgroups: comp.ai.philosophy
Subject: Re: Function of Dreams (was Re: Dreams(Garbage collection))
Keywords: dreams prefrontal cortex learning
Message-ID: <13933@ccncsu.ColoState.EDU>
Date: 2 Apr 91 23:03:02 GMT
References: <1991Mar30.023454.12481@athena.mit.edu> <1991Mar31.024741.29337@mercury.cair.du.edu> <1991Apr1.143027.12963@grebyn.com>
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Organization: Colorado State Computer Science Department
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In article <1991Apr1.143027.12963@grebyn.com> fi@grebyn.com (Fiona Oceanstar) writes:
>
>So what is the scheme used by marsupial and placental mammals?  Winson
>says, "I propose that it [is], in computer terms, off-line processing"--
>where off-line processing entails the acquisition of input information
>and its temporary storage in memory, until such time as processing
>components become available.  And when is the brain "off-line"?  When
>it's asleep.  This scheme would allow for a smaller prefrontal cortex
>because the task of integration, or learning, would not have to take
>place simultaneously with the processing of new information.  The
>integration, association, and action-planning stages of learning, could
>take place during REM sleep.
>
>                                                  --Fiona Oceanstar

Hmm.  The notion that dreams are actually the mind working overtime to
manufacture symbols and assimilate new information is not new.  I am
reminded of Suzanne Langer's *Philosophy in a New Key* from the late 60's
or early 70's.





-- 
james lee peterson				petersja@CS.ColoState.edu
dept. of computer science                       
colorado state university		"Some ignorance is invincible."
ft. collins, colorado  (voice:303/491-7137; fax:303/491-2293)