PHIL 80.25 Imagination

The study of imagination has a long, rich philosophical history. Recently, there has been an explosion of interest in the topic. In this course, we will consider efforts to understand what imagination is and what role imagination plays in the cognitive and emotional lives of experiencers, inquirers, and agents. How is imagination related to perception, belief, pretense, supposition, and desire? What role does imagination play in emotions and in actions? How free is imagination? Can we imagine the impossible? What do we learn about imagination by considering how we engage (or are resistant to engage) in fictional imaginings? How do imagination and creativity interact? Can we rely on imagination to learn or to come to know something new? If so, how? If not, why not? Readings will be drawn from both historical and contemporary sources.

Prerequisite

Requires the permission of the instructor.

Degree Requirement Attributes

Dist:TMV

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