(no subject)
"...Imagination is not a "notion" to be analyzed by some "rational" methodology, either scientific or philosophical, but is itself a peculiar thinking process. This mental process represents an inferior mode of thought and a retrogression from Adam's ability to reason. Before sinning, human language consisted of names. Language was capable of predication, but it excluded syntax and therefore transference of meaning. Without transference of meaning, imagination is inoperative. Things could neither be perceived "as" something else, nor be identified with other beings and ideas. Adam's sin consisted in displacing this mental process in favor of imagination. Human imagination is capable of making syllogisms and arguments appearing to be true [=transference of meaning]-something which the imagination of other animals cannot do...."
shkrobius
Вот именно про это одна из последних книг Чайны Мьевилля - Embassytown. Если есть возможность, прочтите обязательно, хотя на русском ещё нет, по-моему. Вообще, мне казалось, что жанр научной фантастики мёртв лет 15-20 как уже, однако Мьевиллю оказался великолепным некромантом.