ABSTRACT
This chapter provides the conclusions that can be drawn concerning the metaphysical, conceptual, and methodological status of the consciously experienced events named thought images. Psychologists, like philosophers and other interested parties, have their preferences, but at the root of this metaphysical problem is an ultimate and impenetrable mystery. If all particular mental images are fundamentally identical with their corresponding brain states, other experiential, behavioural, and physiological changes could be equally well brought about by activating either manifestation. Confusion as to the conceptual status of imagery vividness has often led to false expectations concerning its mode of functioning. The chapter also presents some principles of imaginal functioning that may be of use to researchers and practitioners. Practitioners who employ imaging procedures in their treatment programmes have been well provided with much practical advice on what to do when clients appear to lack imaging abilities.
