ron
(Ron)
#1
Aristotle on sleep and dreams 205
the beginning can better be understood both in the light of the framework
of the study of nature in which his discussion takes place and in the light
of his overall attitude towards the phenomenon in the wider context of his
psychology and ethical theory. From this point of view, we can arrive at a
more appropriate assessment of Aristotle’s achievement in the study of sleep
and dreams. The strength of Aristotle’s treatment lies, in my view, in his
highly intelligent and systematic approach, as it is reflected in the shrewd
and original questions he asks. His use of empirical material does not, to be
sure, always concord with all criteria that we, from a modern point of view,
might think desirable for a truly scientific investigation; and his optimistic
tone throughout both treatises, suggesting that everything is clear and only
waiting to be explained by the master, does not quite do justice to his
struggle with the perplexing phenomenon of prophecy in sleep – which
he, not surprisingly, is unable to explain satisfactorily. Yet when measuring
Aristotle’s achievement in comparison with what was known and believed
in his own time, we have good reasons to be impressed. His works on sleep
and dreams are without any doubt the most intelligent extant treatment of
the subject in classical literature.
