Children's Imagination

Children's imagination is often seen as a wayward, desire-driven faculty that is constrained by rationality, but it can also draw inspiration from reality. When adults present children with less reality-based possibilities, they are receptive to imaginary possibilities, which can infuse their otherwise commonsensical appraisal of reality. However, young children need guidance when faced with real-world problems that require creativity, as they have limited knowledge of prior solutions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 75 pages
Publication date: 23 June 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Children's imagination has long been perceived as a whimsical and desire-driven faculty, often believed to be eventually tamed by rationality. However, a more recent, Romantic perspective suggests that the imaginative faculties of young children are gradually dulled by the confines of schooling. In contrast, this Element contends that children's imagination actually draws significant inspiration from the real world. When children engage in pretend play, envision the future, or conjure up counterfactual possibilities, they rarely venture into fantastical realms. Instead, their imagination is guided by reality, enabling them to plan ahead and engage in insightful thought experiments.

Nevertheless, when adults present children with less reality-based possibilities, such as biblical narratives or the endorsement of special beings, children become receptive to these imaginative ideas. These imaginative possibilities can even infuse their otherwise mundane perception of reality. Like adults, young children enjoy immersing themselves in make-believe, fictional worlds, but when faced with real-world problems that require creativity, they often need guidance, given their limited knowledge of prior solutions.

Weight: 128g
Dimension: 151 x 228 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009066037