Single Idea 14769

[catalogued under 15. Nature of Minds / C. Capacities of Minds / 2. Imagination]

Full Idea

We can stare stupidly at phenomena; but in the absence of imagination they will not connect themselves together in any rational way.

Gist of Idea

Only imagination can connect phenomena together in a rational way

Source

Charles Sanders Peirce (Scientific Attitude and Fallibilism [1899], I)

Book Reference

Peirce,Charles Sanders: 'Philosophical Writings of Peirce', ed/tr. Buchler,Justus [Dover 1940], p.43


A Reaction

The importance of this is its connection between imagination and 'rational' understanding. This is an important corrective to a crude traditional picture of the role of imagination. I would connect imagination with counterfactuals and best explanation.