English Club on Imagination with Alex

Topic: Imagination

Leader: Alex

Fun Fact of the Day: “In 1796, two brothers ran against each other for President of the United States. Charles Pinckney and his younger brother Thomas (both from South Carolina) both received electoral votes, but John Adams won the election. It was the only time in US history that two brothers got electoral votes for President in the same election” (fun.xocomp.net).

Topic:

1. What is “imagination”? How does it differ between a scholar and layman’s perspective? In which ways does imagination relate to fantasy, creativity, dream hallucinations (while sleeping), and research hypotheses? Is there anything else it relates to?

2. What is the role of imagination in different spheres of basic human activity – playing, learning, arts, research, sports, professions etc.? Can you give some examples from your own experience or that of your peers? Why was “imagination” relevant in this situation?

3. Do you think that the ability to imagine is a gift or a product of deliberate training? Why do you think so? If it is a gift, how did it initially arise? If it is a product of training, what do you need to do to become successfully imaginative?

4. Is the impact of imagination on human lives always positive? If not, do you think it is more positive or more negative? How might this balance affect the role of imagination in our lives?

5. Please look at this pictured image. What kind of associations does it evoke in your mind? Why do you associate this image in this manner? Do images and pictures automatically invoke our use of imagination? Why or why not?

6. Do you wish that you had a more creative imagination? If so, what do you hope to do in the future to increase your imagination skill?
Schedule: Please put topic ideas in the Suggestion Box!
Saturday, 12 January at 10:30
Thursday, 17 January at 5:30- let me know if you want to lead!