Definition:
Imagination can be understood as a cognitive process in which mental representations of objects, events or scenarios that are not immediately present through sensory stimuli are created, manipulated and experienced. This ability makes it possible to reconstruct past experiences, anticipate future possibilities and create completely new concepts.
Discussion:
Imagination is a fundamental aspect of human cognition that is closely linked to creativity, problem solving and mental simulation. Similar to visual consciousness, the exact nature of imagination is the subject of ongoing scientific debate.
A central aspect of the discussion about imagination is its relationship to perception. Kosslyn et al. (2001) argue that mental imagery is based on similar neural mechanisms as direct perception. This ‘perception-imagination continuum’ hypothesis is supported by neuroimaging studies showing overlapping activation patterns in visual cortex areas during perception and imagination tasks.
The role of imagination in cognitive processes is emphasised by the ‘Simulation Theory’ as proposed by Barsalou (2008). This theory postulates that cognitive processes are often based on mental simulations that reactivate sensory, motor and affective states. (This aspect is discussed in more detail here under the concept of perceptual space).
Another important aspect of imagination is its role in prospective cognition. Schacter et al. (2007) describe the ability of ‘episodic future thinking’, in which elements of past experiences are flexibly recombined to simulate possible future scenarios. This ability is considered crucial for planning and decision-making.
The relationship between imagination and creativity is another important area of research. Ward (1994) suggests that creative ideas often arise through the recombination and transformation of existing conceptual structures, a process he refers to as ‘structured imagination’.
Recent research has also investigated the role of imagination in social cognition. For example, Waytz and Mitchell (2011) argue that the ability to mentally simulate is fundamental to empathy and theory of mind, as it allows us to imagine the perspectives and experiences of others.
It is important to emphasise that despite these advances, many aspects of imagination are not yet fully understood. In particular, the neural mechanisms that allow us to create and manipulate mental representations that are not based on direct sensory input require further research.
It also raises the question of the limits and possible extensions of the human imagination, especially in the context of new technologies such as virtual and augmented reality, which could potentially expand our capacity for mental simulation.
Literature:
Barsalou, L. W. (2008). Grounded cognition. Annual Review of Psychology, 59, 617-645.
Kosslyn, S. M., Ganis, G., & Thompson, W. L. (2001). Neural foundations of imagery. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 2(9), 635-642.
Kosslyn, S. M., Thompson, W. L., & Ganis, G. (2006). The case for mental imagery. Oxford University Press.
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.
Schacter, D. L., Addis, D. R., & Buckner, R. L. (2007). Remembering the past to imagine the future: the prospective brain. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 8(9), 657-661.
Ward, T. B. (1994). Structured imagination: The role of category structure in exemplar generation. Cognitive Psychology, 27(1), 1-40.
Waytz, A., & Mitchell, J. P. (2011). Two mechanisms for simulating other minds: Dissociations between mirroring and self-projection. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 20(3), 197-200.
Zeman, A., Dewar, M., & Della Sala, S. (2015). Lives without imagery–Congenital aphantasia. Cortex, 73, 378-380.