Mimesis as Make-Believe

Representations in visual arts and fiction play an important part in our lives and culture. Walton presents here a theory of the nature of representation, which illuminates its many varieties and goes a long way toward explaining its importance. Walton's theory also provides solutions to thorny philosophical problems concerning the existence of fictitious beings. Throughout, hi...

Representations in visual arts and fiction play an important part in our lives and culture. Walton presents here a theory of the nature of representation, which illuminates its many varieties and goes a long way toward explaining its importance. Walton's theory also provides solutions to thorny philosophical problems concerning the existence of fictitious beings. Throughout, his analysis is illustrated by a rich array of examples drawn from literature, painting, sculpture, theatre, and film.

Kendall L. Watson is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Michigan.