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Aphantasia as imagery blindsight

DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2024.11.002
Michel, M., Morales, J., Block, N., & Lau, H. (2025). Aphantasia as imagery blindsight. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 29(1), 8–9. doi:10.1016/j.tics.2024.11.002

Abstract

An interesting letter published in Trends in Cognitive Sciences proposes that aphantasia might be better understood as "imagery blindsight" - where mental images are processed unconsciously without conscious awareness. The authors argue against the view that aphantasics completely lack mental imagery, pointing to compelling evidence that imagistic representations still exist beneath conscious awareness. People with aphantasia can perform well on mental rotation tasks and show similar brain activity patterns in visual cortex areas during imagery tasks as those with typical imagery abilities. This suggests that aphantasics may process mental imagery but lack conscious access to these images - similar to how blindsight patients can respond to visual information without consciously seeing it. The authors explain that when aphantasics report fewer episodic memory details, it might not reflect a memory deficit but rather their reluctance to report information they don't consciously experience. They compare this to blindsight patients who don't volunteer visual information they don't consciously see, despite evidence they've processed it. While acknowledging aphantasia is likely heterogeneous, with some individuals using alternative cognitive strategies, the researchers suggest most aphantasics possess imagery abilities but lack awareness of them - what they term "blank access." This perspective offers a new framework for understanding aphantasia and may provide insights into how visual consciousness works more broadly.

Authors

  • Matthias Michel1
  • Jorge Morales1
  • Ned Block1
  • Hakwan Lau1

Understanding Aphantasia: Imagery Blindsight

Overview/Introduction

A recent study published in *Trends in Cognitive Sciences* offers a fresh perspective on aphantasia, a condition where individuals report an inability to visualize mental images. Traditionally, it was believed that people with aphantasia completely lack mental imagery. However, this new research suggests that aphantasia might be better understood as "imagery blindsight," where mental images are processed unconsciously without the person being aware of them. This concept draws parallels to blindsight, a condition where individuals can respond to visual stimuli without consciously seeing them.

Methodology

The researchers examined existing studies on aphantasia and compared them with findings from blindsight research. They analyzed brain activity patterns and performance on mental tasks, such as mental rotation tasks, to understand how aphantasics process imagery. The study also considered the ability of aphantasics to recall episodic memories and imagine future events, comparing their performance in free-report interviews and forced-choice tasks.

Key Findings

  • Mental Imagery Processing: People with aphantasia can perform well on mental rotation tasks, showing similar brain activity patterns in visual cortex areas as those with typical imagery abilities. This indicates that they might process mental imagery unconsciously.
  • Episodic Memory and Imagination: Aphantasics report fewer episodic memory details, not necessarily due to a memory deficit but possibly because they are unaware of the imagery during recall. Forced-choice tasks reveal that they do encode relevant memories.
  • Imagery Blindsight: The study suggests that aphantasia might be akin to blindsight for the mind’s eye, where individuals have imagery abilities but lack conscious access to them, a phenomenon termed "blank access."

Implications

This new understanding of aphantasia as imagery blindsight could have significant implications for how we study and treat the condition. It suggests that aphantasia is not merely a lack of imagery but a lack of awareness of imagery. This perspective could lead to new approaches in cognitive therapy and rehabilitation, focusing on enhancing conscious access to imagery rather than trying to create imagery from scratch. Additionally, this research may provide broader insights into how visual consciousness works and the role of unconscious processing in cognitive functions.

Limitations

While the study provides compelling evidence, it acknowledges that aphantasia is likely a heterogeneous condition. Some individuals with aphantasia may use alternative cognitive strategies, such as relying on semantic processing. The study's findings may not apply universally to all aphantasics, and further research is needed to explore the diversity within the condition.
In conclusion, this research offers a novel framework for understanding aphantasia, challenging prev...