Lucid dreaming and the bimodality of consciousness

Consciousness in primates and humans has at least two expressions that depend on the state of the organism: waking and dreaming. In waking, consciousness allows volition and reflection (secondary consciousness), whereas dreaming is a state of primary consciousness characterized by delusional thoughts, though both states involve perception and emotion. Lucid dreaming is a rare, real condition that combines elements of both waking and dreaming, involving primary and secondary consciousness, and offers a promising tool for studying the neural basis of consciousness.

Study at a glance

Abstract

In this essay, we develop our working hypothesis that consciousness in primates and humans is a state-dependent commodity that has at least two expressions. Waking and dreaming are two such states that differ in conscious awareness. In both states, we are perceptive and emotional. Whereas in dreaming, our thoughts are delusional, however, waking consciousness potentiates volition and reflection. We propose that dreaming is a state of primary consciousness, while usually, secondary consciousness is reserved to waking. Lucid dreaming is an extraordinary state with elements of both waking and dreaming and both primary and secondary consciousness. It is a rare but very real condition which is a promising tool in the study of the brain basis of consciousness.