Imagination Is Key to Morality

At first glance, imagination might seem to have nothing to do with morals.

Aristotle, who separates imagination from mind and perception, identifies it as “that in virtue of which an image occurs in us.” LE TAN/UNSPLASH

“The moral sense, or conscience, is as much a part of man as his leg or arm. It is given to all human beings in a stronger or weaker degree, as force of members is given them in a greater or less degree.” —Thomas Jefferson, in a letter to Peter Carr, on Aug. 10, 1787

At first glance, imagination might seem to have nothing to do with morals. We are more likely to associate it with creative or artistic endeavors, daydreaming, children playing make-believe, or even being out of touch with reality. But more fundamentally, it is the ability to create an image in our mind’s eye.