Margherita Arcangeli: The intricate notion of mental simulation

The Umeå Cognitive Science Seminar invites you to a a seminar with Margherita Arcangeli, Institut Nicod, Paris, "The intricate notion of mental simulation". 

Abstract:

A widespread view in cognitive philosophy is that imagining is mentally simulating. There is even a tendency to think that whenever we have mental simulation, imagination is at play. But the notion of mental simulation is much more complex. In this talk I'll consider different dimensions (sub-personal/personal, content/attitude), show that different types of mental simulation emerge, and argue that imagination should be identified with only one of these types (i.e., personal attitudinal mental simulation). I'll elaborate on what is imagining according to this view, and highlight how such a framework can help us better understand other phenomena (e.g., mental imagery, episodic memory).

Margherita Arcangeli is a member of the Institut Jean Nicod as maîtresse de conférences (associate professor) at the École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales. Imagination is the more specific object of her research, but she is also interested in other topics in philosophy of mind, philosophy of science and aesthetics.

All interested are welcome to this event. No advance registration is needed.

Related workshop

Margherita Arcangeli will also participate in a small workshop on “Imagination and creativity” the day after seminar. More information about the workshop can be found here.

About the seminar series

Learn more about the Umeå Cognitive Science Seminar and upcoming events