Understanding the Worth of Imagination in Experimentation and Exploration, Essay Example

Definition is of course the process of giving meaning to something. In Bronowski’s article, he tries to give a definitive meaning to the word “imagine” and the capacity of the human brain to visualize matters through the consideration of different relative experiments that were handled regarding the said topic. To be able to establish his position on the matter, he tried to note several experiments undergone regarding the comparison of the human and the animal brain to respond to aspects of visualization. This aspect of brain function has been given interest by scientists during the past years of discovery. Starting from the year 1904, Bronowski quotes the impending experiment of Hunter on animals that were considered the best when it comes to remembering path. Dogs for instance were used in this experimentation as a source of proof of whether or not animals would be able to remember a path they once walked without the existence of a memory that dictates the detail of the matter.

From this experimentation to other conditions of human exploration [including that of Galileo’s fascination over the theory on the falling speed of two unequal balls from the leaning tower], Bronowski tries to convince his readers that human imagination is far more superior than that of the capacity of animals to remember.

In this case, Bronowski tries to separate the definition of imagination from instinct through division. Showing how instinct help animals respond to particular situations they have to contend with in relation to the daily activities they have to consider as part of their quest for survival, Bronowski brings about the attention of the readers to the capacity of humans to think things over, and imagine different possibilities even before they happen. This is where the capacity of the brain to visualize the future comes in. In connection with imagination, Bronowski tries to instantiate a sense of dictation on how the brain functions fully under the command of ‘possibilities’. Indicating that experience and expectations play a great role in defining the path of one’s imagination, Bronowski tries to consistently separate such a capacity with the ability to use instinct among animals.

For instance, a dog might find his way home based on specifically familiar elements that he might recognize along the way. However, when the position of those elements change through time, it would be almost impossible for the dog to find his path towards his destination. On the other end, humans tend to explore, understand and learn from every turn that they take. Imagination helps a lot in order to spur such knowledge. Relatively, it is with this capacity that humans are able to improve the current systems of living, define their ways of life and create effective ways of dealing with the most basic towards the most complex activities that they have to handle.

In relation to the context of the written article by Bronowski, it could be analyzed that the utilization of definition and division in discussing his topic was effective enough to bring his readers into a point of realization. The aspect of definition brought about the chance for Bronowski to communicate to his readers the main point of his article and thus manifest a more extensive condition of getting their attention on the matter he wants to present. Division of subjects on the other hand allowed Bronwoski to present each aspect of the broader topic with a value that considers the distinctive effect of “imagination” on the different aspects of living that humans engage with. With such division, it became easier for the topic to be fully discussed in bits of information that are considered important for the presentation of facts related to the issue at hand.

References:

Bronowski, J. The Reach of Imagination. http://www.public.iastate.edu/~bccorey/105%20Folder/The%20Reach%20of%20Imagine.pdf. (Retrieved on November 7, 2012).