TALK: The Epistemic Limits of Imagination by Sofia Pedrini (Ruhr-Universität Bochum)

The PRISMA Lab and the FICTA ERC project (GA: 101221131) are pleased to invite you to a talk entitled: "The Epistemic Limits of Imagination" by Sofia Pedrini (Ruhr-Universität Bochum).

Abstract:  Can imagination justify empirical beliefs and produce knowledge about the actual world? Recent optimistic accounts—especially constraints-based approaches (e.g. Kind 2016; Myers 2021, 2024)—argue that imagination can play a genuine justificatory role when properly constrained. This paper challenges such optimism. Drawing on a phenomenological analysis, I identify three features of mental imagery—imprecision, fragmentation, and diachronic instability—that undermine its capacity to support the fine-grained discriminations required for empirical knowledge.
Although similar limitations are present in perception, the crucial difference lies in the availability of epistemic practices. Perceptual knowledge is supported by verification procedures—such as re-examination, measurement, and intersubjective checking—which are unavailable for imagination. In addition, subjects lack reliable introspective access to their imaginative processes.
I argue that while imagination may generate true beliefs and even knowledge, unlike in perception, subjects are not in a position to know when it does. Imagination’s epistemic role is therefore more limited than optimists suppose.

• When? April 22nd, 2026 at 10:30 am GMT+1.
• Where? University of Parma, Sala della biblioteca, Via D’Azeglio 85, Parma (Italy).

This is a hybrid seminar. If you wish to attend virtually (via Microsoft TEAMS) or require further information, please write to daniele.molinari@unipr.it.

 

 

 

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