Event Timeslots (1)

Thursday
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking seminar exploring the fascinating realm of imagination and mental images in philosophy. This seminar is specifically designed for philosophy and cognitive science students seeking to understand the nature and significance of imagination and its relation to mental imagery. The seminar will commence by discussing the works of three influential phenomenologists: Husserl, Sartre, and Casey. Through a close examination of their writings, we will explore the role of imagination in shaping our perception of the world and its impact on our lived experiences. We will investigate the intricate connections between imagination, consciousness, and intentionality, unraveling the ways in which mental images contribute to our mental life. Building upon the phenomenological foundations, we will then shift our focus to the analytic tradition. We will delve into the imagery debate and critically examine the arguments surrounding the nature and neuro-cognitive underpinnings of mental images. We will finally turn to examining the nature, semantics and epistemic value of imagining. By the end of this seminar, participants will have gained a comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between imagination and mental images within both phenomenological and analytic philosophies. They will have the tools to critically evaluate and contribute to ongoing debates surrounding the nature of mental imagery and its implications for our understanding of perception, cognition, and the mind. Students will also have the opportunity to link up with our DFG research group “Constructing Scenarios of the Past”. Aside from active participation, participants will be expected to give a presentation in English. Assistance regarding the English language will be provided. Teaching will be assisted by Sofia Pedrini. | | | Literature: Abraham, A. (Hrsg.). (2020). The Cambridge Handbook of the Imagination (1. Aufl.). Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108580298 Casey, E. S. (2000). Imagining, Second Edition: A Phenomenological Study. Indiana University Press. Dokic, J., & Arcangeli, M. (2015). The Heterogeneity of Experiential ImaginationThe Heterogeneity of Experiential Imagination. Open MIND. https://doi.org/10.15502/9783958570085 Husserl, E., Brough, J. B., & Husserl, E. (2005). Phantasy, image consciousness, and memory, 1898-1925. Springer. Kind, A. (Hrsg.). (2017). The Routledge handbook of philosophy of imagination (First issued in paperback). Routledge. Kosslyn, S. M. (1994). Image and Brain. MIT Press. Langland-Hassan, P. (2020). Explaining imagination (First edition). Oxford university press.