New research from the University of Tartu shows that people with aphantasia—the complete inability to form mental images—can reason about abstract concepts like geometry, morality, and mathematics just as well as anyone else. This directly challenges David Hume's 18th-century theory that abstract thought requires a concrete mental image.
The Research
In a paper published in Neuropsychologia (July 2026), Associate Professors Uku Tooming and Roomet Jakapi from the University of Tartu systematically dismantle the classical view that thinking needs a "sensory theater." They point to severe aphantasics who have total blindness across all sensory modalities—sight, sound, touch, taste—yet flawlessly solve geometry problems, recognize faces, and reason about ethics. The researchers reject the idea that these individuals might rely on non-visual senses, because even multimodal aphantasics lack all sensory imagery. They also debunk the notion that unconscious imagery is at play, citing neuropsychological trials showing a total absence of imagery both conscious and unconscious. Finally, they note that aphantasics can use a spatial sense of layout without sensory richness, but this fails Hume's requirement that concepts must have vivid sensory content.
Why It Matters
This research suggests that human cognition is more flexible than philosophers assumed. If you struggle with mental imagery, it doesn't mean you're less capable of abstract reasoning. For typical imagers, it hints that your brain might be using separate, non-sensory tracks for complex thinking—implying that visualization is just one tool, not a necessity. Understanding this can reduce anxiety about cognitive style and encourage people to explore different ways of thinking.
What You Can Do
Try to notice how you think: do you see mental pictures, hear inner voices, or just know concepts directly? Experiment with abstract problems (e.g., geometry puzzles, ethical dilemmas) using different strategies. If visualization feels difficult, don't worry—your brain likely has alternative pathways.
Source: Neuroscience News
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