THE PHENOMENAL WORLD OF IMAGINATION

Abstract

What is it like for one to imagine something? Intuitively, we have a sense that the phenomenology of our imaginings is deeply connected with what our imaginings are about. In this thesis, I precisify this metaphorical notion by focusing on the crucial role phenomenology plays within imagination. This role phenomenology plays is to capture what an imagining is about, by being both necessary and sufficient for the representational content of the state. The concept here is a specific application of the Phenomenal Intentionality thesis to the state of imagination. Additionally, I will reflect on the multiple views around which aspect of phenomenology performs this role, as well as the significance of it playing this role to the state of imagination. My aim is to provide support to theories of imagination that accord phenomenology a central role in the mental exercise.