
The Visionary Apex: A Philosophical Inquiry into William Blake's Concept of Imagination
Abstract
This article undertakes an extensive philosophical exploration of William Blake's multifaceted concept of imagination, arguing that for Blake, imagination transcends mere fantasy or artistic faculty to represent the very essence of divine vision, ultimate reality, and the indispensable means for human liberation and spiritual reintegration. Contrasting Blake's "visionary imagination" with the prevailing empirical and rationalistic epistemologies of his era, particularly those profoundly influenced by figures such as John Locke and Isaac Newton, we meticulously analyze how he posits imagination as the primary and most authentic mode of knowing eternal truths and engaging directly with the divine. The study delineates imagination's critical and transformative role as the preeminent creative force in both art and prophecy, a divinely ordained pathway to realizing the "Human Form Divine," and a revolutionary tool against pervasive societal oppression and spiritual alienation. By synthesizing exhaustive insights from Blake's rich and complex poetic and prophetic works, along with key critical interpretations from leading Blakean scholars, this paper illuminates the profound and far-reaching epistemological, ontological, and ethical implications of Blake's imaginative philosophy, asserting its enduring and critical relevance in contemporary thought and its capacity to offer alternatives to modern paradigms.
Keywords
William Blake, imagination, philosophy
References
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