Imagination and Invention

Gilbert Simondon's "Imagination and Invention" offers a radical rethinking of the theory and experience of mental images, drawing on experimental psychology, cybernetics, ethology, and phenomenological reflections to provide a comprehensive account of the mental image and its development through four phases: motor anticipations, cognitive system, symbolic and abstract integration, and invention.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 22 February 2023
Publisher: University of Minnesota Press

Here is the rephrased text:

A Radical Reimagining of the Theory and Experience of Mental Images

In this groundbreaking English translation, Gilbert Simondon presents a fundamental reconception of the mental image and the theory of imagination and invention. Drawing upon a diverse array of mid-twentieth-century theoretical resources, including experimental psychology, cybernetics, ethology, and phenomenological reflections by Sartre and Merleau-Ponty, Imagination and Invention offers a comprehensive account of the mental image and adds a vital new dimension to Simondon's earlier, highly influential work.

Simondon traces the evolution of the mental image through four distinct phases:

Phase 1: A Bundle of Motor Anticipations
Initially, the mental image emerges as a collection of motor anticipations, forming the foundation of perception and interaction with the external world.

Phase 2: A Cognitive System
Gradually, the mental image evolves into a cognitive system that mediates the organism's relationship with its environment. It becomes a tool for understanding, interpreting, and responding to the stimuli around us.

Phase 3: A Symbolic and Abstract Integration of Motor and Affective Experience
As the mental image matures, it undergoes a symbolic and abstract integration of motor and affective experiences. It becomes a complex system capable of representing and manipulating information, emotions, and ideas.

Phase 4: Invention
Finally, the mental image reaches its pinnacle in invention. It becomes a catalyst for solving problems and creating new solutions to the challenges of life. Invention requires the externalization of the mental image and the creation of a technical object that embodies and realizes the envisioned solution.

Simondon emphasizes that the understanding of an image cannot be limited to a single phase but must be viewed within the broader trajectory of its progressive metamorphosis. Each phase contributes to the development and refinement of the mental image, shaping our perception, cognition, and creativity.

Through his profound exploration of the mental image, Simondon offers a rich and nuanced perspective on the nature of imagination, invention, and the human mind. This work is a testament to Simondon's intellectual brilliance and his enduring contribution to the fields of philosophy, psychology, and the sciences.

In conclusion, Imagination and Invention is a groundbreaking work that revolutionizes our understanding of the mental image and the theory of imagination and invention. By delving into the complex interplay between motor anticipations, cognitive systems, symbolic integration, and invention, Simondon provides a comprehensive framework for exploring the depths of human consciousness and creativity. This translation makes Simondon's insights accessible to a wider audience, fostering a deeper appreciation of the profound implications of his work on the nature of human existence and the possibilities for technological innovation.

Weight: 290g
Dimension: 216 x 141 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781517914455