This module engages with important contributions to the philosophy of the imagination,focusing on questions concerning the role of the imagination in structuring social experience. It invites students to critically engage with research across various philosophical disciplines and traditions  – including phenomenology, philosophy of emotion, aesthetics, feminist and critical race philosophy – that analyses the interplay between social and imaginative experience. Topics covered include the relation between perception and imagination, imaginary institutions, the role of the imagination in the experience of social emotions, the freedom and limits of the imagination, and the potential for imaginary worlds to influence socio-political developments in the real world. 

• Speak and write competently about important theorisations of the imagination  

• Identify, contrast, and assess different positions taken by major philosophers on the role of the imagination, as well as its relation to social experience 

• Apply knowledge of these positions to particular examples and problems 

• Critically analyse and formulate arguments for and against various positions in relation to the imagination and its functions  

Demonstrate a grasp of the issues that are of current concern to philosophers working on the imagination, and an understanding of how such concerns might apply in other areas of philosophy or political thought 

The module will be taught through a blend of synchronous and asynchronous learning classes and activities, designed to fulfil the learning outcomes. These will be delivered remotely, and on-campus if the University deems it safe and practicable.

Transferable / Employability Skills: 

It is worth bearing in mind that, even though the point of the module is to do philosophy, many of the skills this activity allows students to develop are also highly valued by graduate employers. These include: 

• Critical Thinking: e.g. the ability to understand, structure and critically evaluate the key points and arguments made in written texts and discussions – achieved through e.g. reading, small group activities in lectures and seminars, plenary discussions in seminars, reflecting on lecture materials, essay and exam preparation and writing. 

• Communication: the ability to formulate and articulate your critical thinking, both orally and on paper, in ways that others can grasp and engage with – achieved through e.g. small group work in seminars, seminar discussions, essay writing. 

• Organisation: the ability to organise and coordinate workloads – achieved through balancing e.g. reading, seminar preparation, essay preparation. 

• Working with others: e.g. co-constructing ideas, responding sensitively to others – achieved through e.g. small group work in seminars, group presentations. 

A blend of coursework and portfolio assessments.

Doctrines and arguments of classic and current philosophers on the topics of 

• Imagination and perception 
• The role of the imagination in social experience and social emotions 
• Empathy 
• The freedom and limits of the imagination 
• Oppressive imaginaries 
• Shared imaginings 
• Real and imaginary worlds 

Indicative schedule of topics, by semester week: 

1. What Happens When We Imagine? 
2. The Imaginary Life 
3. Am I Imaginary? 
4. Empathy I: Experiencing Other Minds 
5. Empathy II: Imagining Other Worlds 
6. Reading Week 
7. Imaginary Institutions 
8. Shared Imaginaries 
9. Oppressive Imaginaries I: Race 
10. Oppressive Imaginaries II: Deviance 
11. Imaginary Futures 

Course readings will be made available on Learning Central.

A resource list will be available on learning central. Prior to studying the module students may wish to consult: 

Kind, A. ed., 2016. The Routledge handbook of philosophy of imagination. London and New York: Routledge. 

Lennon, K. 2015. Imagination and the Imaginary. London and New York: Routledge. 

Webber, J. 2004. Philosophical Introduction to The Imagination: A Phenomenological Psychology of the Imagination by Jean-Paul Sartre. London and New York: Routledge.