Introduction

Abstract

Our use of the term imagination is usually restricted to the domain of art. Celebrated artists and their works are said to be imaginative. We speak of the imagination of a genius, and of imaginative novels, paintings, and works of music. But what about morality? The claim that imagination can and should play a role in moral reasoning may raise eyebrows. Imagination and the artistic context in which it is believed to have its home, suggest a freedom and fancy many of us are not willing to grant to moral reasoning. Moral reasoning appears to be concerned with principles, rules, restraint, and prohibition. It is unclear what it means to say that imagination plays and should play a central role in our moral decisions and judgments.