Philosophy 234im - Topics in the Philosophy of Human Nature-Imagination

Imagination is used in a lot of ways: from empathizing with others, engaging with music and literature, and planning the future to dreaming, art-making or conducting philosophical thought experiments. This course investigates a variety of questions related to imagination. What is the nature of mental imagery? What is the role of the self in imagination? How does imagination function in art-making, philosophical thought experiments and scientific discoveries? What are the moral and conceptual constraints on imagination? Can imagination be transformative for moral and creative lives? (E)