Definition:
Imagination is the cognitive ability to create, manipulate and experience mental images, ideas or concepts that are not immediately present through sensory stimuli. It includes the ability to reconstruct the past, anticipate the future and create completely new scenarios.
Discussion:
- Imagination as a cognitive ability:
Kosslyn et al (2006) argue that imagination is based on similar neural mechanisms as visual perception itself. This supports the idea that imagination is a fundamental cognitive ability that is closely linked to our perception and thinking.
In the context of 4E cognition, imagination can be understood as embodied, embedded, extended and enactive:
- Verkörpert: Vorstellungen sind oft mit körperlichen Empfindungen und Bewegungen verbunden (Gibbs, 2005).
- Eingebettet: Unsere Vorstellungen sind durch unsere kulturellen und sozialen Kontexte geprägt (Vygotsky, 1978).
- Erweitert: Externe Hilfsmittel wie Zeichnungen oder digitale Tools können unsere Vorstellungskraft erweitern (Clark, 2008).
- Enaktiv: Vorstellungen entstehen durch aktive mentale Simulation und Interaktion mit der Umwelt (Varela et al., 1991).
- Difference to a vision:
While imagination and vision are closely related, there are some important differences:
- Scope: Imagination is a broader cognitive ability that encompasses various mental processes. A vision is more a specific product of this ability, often with a focus on the future or a specific goal.
- Temporality: Imagination can relate to the past, present or future, while visions are typically future orientated.
- Concreteness: Imaginations can be very concrete and detailed, while visions are often more abstract and conceptual.
- Purpose: Imagination serves many cognitive functions, while visions often have a specific purpose, such as motivation or direction.
Suddendorf and Corballis (2007) emphasise that the ability to mentally time travel, which includes both imagination and vision, is a key feature of human cognition.
- Difference to inner images:
Internal imagery is a specific aspect of imagination that refers to the mental visualisation of objects or scenes. The difference to imagination in general can be characterised as follows:
- Modality: Inner imagery is primarily visual, whereas imagination can involve all sensory modalities (Pearson et al., 2015).
- Complexity: Imagination can involve more complex cognitive processes, such as linking ideas or developing abstract concepts, whereas internal imagery is often more concrete and specific.
- Level of consciousness: Inner images can often be experienced consciously, while imagination can also include unconscious processes (Zeman et al., 2015).
Kosslyn et al (2006) argue that internal images are a specific form of mental representation that can be created and manipulated by the imagination.
- Imagination in digital and artificial contexts:
With the development of advanced AI systems, the question arises as to whether and how artificial systems can develop ‘imagination’. In her work ‘The Creative Mind’, Boden (2004) discusses the possibility of computational creativity, which could be understood as a form of artificial imagination.
In digital resonance spaces, imagination could be expanded through new technologies such as virtual and augmented reality. This could lead to new forms of collective imagination, as suggested by Castells (2010) in his theory of the network society.
To summarise, imagination is a fundamental cognitive ability that encompasses both visions and inner images, but goes beyond both. It plays a central role in our ability to understand, shape and change the world. In an increasingly digital and AI-driven world, understanding and fostering imagination becomes even more important.
Imagination or fantasy?
The terms ‘imagination’ and ‘ fantasy’ are often used interchangeably, but there are some subtle differences and nuances that are worth exploring.
- Linguistic context:
In German-speaking countries, ‘Vorstellungskraft’ is used more frequently, while ‘imagination’ is perceived more as a foreign word. In the English-speaking context, ‘imagination’ is the more common term. - Etymology and connotation:
- Through its combination of ‘imagination’ and ‘power’, ‘imagination’ emphasises the active, powerful component of the mental process.
- ‘Imagination’ is derived from the Latin “imaginari” (to imagine) and often carries a more creative or imaginative connotation.
- Scientific use:
In the scientific literature, especially in cognitive psychology and neuroscience, both terms are often used interchangeably. However, there are trends in their use:
- In their work ‘The Case for Mental Imagery’, Kosslyn et al. (2006) mainly use the term ‘mental imagery’, which is often translated as ‘imagination’ in German.
- On the other hand, researchers such as Zeman et al. (2015) use the term ‘imagination’ in their work on aphantasia to describe the broader spectrum of mental imagery.
- Philosophical perspective:
In his work ‘L’imaginaire’ (The Imaginary), Sartre (1940/2004) distinguishes between ‘imagination’ as an ability and ‘imaginaire’ as the product of this ability. This distinction is often not made so clearly in German. - Cultural differences:
Pelaprat and Cole (2011) argue that the concept of imagination is culturally characterised and is understood and used differently in different cultures. This can lead to differences in the use and interpretation of the terms. - Application context:
- ‘Imagination’ is often used in practical or educational contexts, e.g. when it comes to the ability to visualise abstract concepts.
- ‘Imagination’ is more often used in creative or artistic contexts and emphasises the creative aspect more strongly.
To summarise, it can be said that ‘imagination’ and ‘imagination’ are actually used synonymously in many contexts. However, the choice of term can bring subtle differences in emphasis and connotation. In academic discussion, it is important to consider the context and the author’s specific definition.
Literature:
Boden, M. A. (2004). The creative mind: Myths and mechanisms. Routledge.
Castells, M. (2010). The rise of the network society. Wiley-Blackwell.
Clark, A. (2008). Supersizing the mind: Embodiment, action, and cognitive extension. Oxford University Press.
Gibbs Jr, R. W. (2005). Embodiment and cognitive science. Cambridge University Press.
Kosslyn, S. M., Thompson, W. L., & Ganis, G. (2006). The case for mental imagery. Oxford University Press.
Pearson, J., Naselaris, T., Holmes, E. A., & Kosslyn, S. M. (2015). Mental imagery: functional mechanisms and clinical applications. Trends in cognitive sciences, 19(10), 590-602.
Pelaprat, E., & Cole, M. (2011). “Minding the gap”: Imagination, creativity and human cognition. Integrative Psychological and Behavioral Science, 45(4), 397-418.
Sartre, J. P. (1940/2004). The imaginary: A phenomenological psychology of the imagination. Routledge.
Suddendorf, T., & Corballis, M. C. (2007). The evolution of foresight: What is mental time travel, and is it unique to humans? Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 30(3), 299-313.
Varela, F. J., Thompson, E., & Rosch, E. (1991). The embodied mind: Cognitive science and human experience. MIT Press.
Vygotsky, L. S., Cole, M., (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Harvard University Press.
Zeman, A., Dewar, M., & Della Sala, S. (2015). Lives without imagery–Congenital aphantasia. Cortex, 73, 378-380.