Imagination in the Appreciation of Nature: A Comparative Approach

Abstract

Whereas the significance of imagination in art appreciation is universally recognized, it is still a matter of debate whether imagination is important in the appreciation of nature. Some philosophers (e.g., Walton 1990) argue that while imagination is necessary for grasping fictional truths created by the authors of artworks, imagination is inappropriate for appreciating natural objects, which are not endowed with fictional truths. The main task of this essay is to defend the importance of imagination in appreciating nature. By drawing on resources mostly from the Chinese aesthetic tradition, this article argues that imagination plays an important functional role in bringing about appropriate responses for the aesthetic appreciation of nature. Different models/cases of aesthetic responses in appreciating nature are carefully distinguished and thoroughly discussed.

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