Single Idea 24062

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

Full Idea

If an animal has a desiring part, it is capable of moving itself. A desiring part, however, cannot exist without an imagination, and all imagination is either rationally calculative or perceptual. Hence in the latter the other animals also have a share.

Gist of Idea

Self-moving animals must have desires, and that entails having imagination

Source

Aristotle (De Anima [c.329 BCE], 433b27)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'De Anima (on the psuche)', ed/tr. Reeve, C.D.C. [Hackett 2017], p.62


A Reaction

Maybe if you asked people whether other animals are imaginative they would say no, but this argument is strong support for the positive view.