Mental imagery through the lens of aphantasia
DOI: 10.1111/mila.12560
Scholz, C. O. (2025). Mental imagery through the lens of aphantasia. Mind & Language, 40(3), 317–324. doi:10.1111/mila.12560
Abstract
In his recent book Mental imagery: Philosophy, psychology, neuroscience, Nanay presents a far‐reaching empirically grounded account of mental imagery. This commentary focuses on Nanay's proposal that individuals with aphantasia, a cognitive norm variant characterized by an absence of imagery experience, have unconscious mental imagery. Recent empirical findings on aphantasia are reviewed, and evidence both for and against voluntary and involuntary unconscious mental imagery in aphantasia is discussed in the context of Nanay's general account of mental imagery and its taxonomy. It is argued that people with aphantasia, contrary to Nanay's proposal, do not possess unconscious mental imagery.
Authors
- Christian O. Scholz4
Understanding Mental Imagery and Aphantasia
Overview/Introduction
Mental imagery is a fascinating aspect of human cognition that involves the ability to visualize scenes, objects, or events in the mind without direct sensory input. In his book, "Mental Imagery: Philosophy, Psychology, Neuroscience," philosopher Bence Nanay explores the complexities of mental imagery. A significant focus of his work is on a condition called aphantasia, where individuals cannot form mental images. Nanay suggests that people with aphantasia might still have unconscious mental imagery, even if they cannot consciously visualize images.
Methodology
Christian O. Scholz, in his commentary on Nanay's book, reviews recent empirical studies on aphantasia. Scholz examines evidence both supporting and contradicting the idea of unconscious mental imagery in people with aphantasia. The research involves:
- Reviewing existing literature on aphantasia.
- Analyzing studies that investigate the presence of both voluntary and involuntary mental imagery.
- Contextualizing findings within Nanay's broader framework of mental imagery.
Key Findings
Scholz's analysis leads to several important conclusions:
- Aphantasia and Conscious Imagery: Individuals with aphantasia typically do not experience conscious mental imagery.
- Unconscious Imagery Debate: Contrary to Nanay's proposal, Scholz argues that there is insufficient evidence to support the existence of unconscious mental imagery in people with aphantasia.
- Empirical Evidence: Current studies do not conclusively demonstrate that aphantasic individuals possess any form of mental imagery, whether conscious or unconscious.
Implications
The findings have several implications for our understanding of mental imagery and cognitive diversity:
- Rethinking Cognitive Norms: The study challenges the assumption that all cognitive processes, like imagery, are universal.
- Broader Understanding of Aphantasia: It highlights the need for further research into how people with aphantasia process information differently.
- Impact on Psychological Theories: These insights could influence psychological theories that rely on the assumption of universal mental imagery capabilities.
Limitations
While the commentary provides valuable insights, there are limitations:
- Limited Empirical Data: The conclusions are based on existing studies, which may not fully capture the complexity of unconscious processes.
- Need for Further Research: More comprehensive studies are needed to explore the nuances of mental imagery in aphantasia.
In summary, while Nanay's book offers a comprehensive theory of mental imagery, Scholz's commentary raises important questions about the nature of imagery in individuals with aphantasia, emphasizing the need for ongoing research in this intriguing area of cognitive science.