Unexplainable Imagine a sunset, now imagine you can't
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May 14, 2025 Explore the intriguing world of aphantasia, where some individuals can't visualize mental images. Learn how this fascinating condition shapes their perception of reality and challenges our understanding of imagination. Hear personal stories and neurological insights that highlight the complexities of mental imagery. Discover how an artist embraces their aphantasia to redefine creativity, proving that limitations can spark unique artistic expression. Delve into the emotional impact of mental imagery and its implications for mental health.
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Alice Coles' Aphantasia Discovery
- Alice Coles shared her experience of having only words, not pictures, in her mind, which confused her about what's normal.
- She realized only many years later, through conversations and discovery, that she has aphantasia and cannot visualize mental images.
Origin of 'Aphantasia' Term
- Aphantasia was named to describe the inability to visualize mental images using Aristotle's term 'phantasia' with an 'A' for absence.
- Adam Zeman encountered a patient, MX, who lost visualization ability but performed well on other psychological tests.
How Visualization Works in Brain
- Visualization forms images in the visual cortex detached from real sight, simulating seeing without external input.
- This mental imagery activates similar brain areas as real vision but at lower intensity, creating an experience of 'seeing' internally.