Imagination as a Way of Knowledge with Gary Lachman - in-person event!

Join Gary Lachman for an in-person talk in PRS library! Imagination as a Way of Knowledge with Gary Lachman In the PRS Library! When we think of “the imagination,” what do we mean? Generally we consider imagination to be related to fantasy, the unreal, or, at best, the “not yet” real, when we think of it as putting us on the “cutting edge” of innovation and technology. We think of imagination in the sense of “make believe,” of day dreams and wishful thinking, of, in some way, an escape from reality. But there is another way to understand and to experience imagination, as a way not of “make believe” but of “making real”. Although in modern times, the idea of imagination as a way of knowledge has lost favor, throughout history there has been a long tradition of seeing imagination as a way of knowing and participating with the world, and not as a means of retreat from it. My talk, based on my book Lost Knowledge of the Imagination, will look at this other way of knowing. It will show how, with the rise of science, imagination as a way of knowledge became marginalised and what this means for us in the postmodern age. It will show that without the support and contribution of this other form of knowledge, our understanding of reality is not only incomplete but in a very real sense dangerous. Ticket price: $15 (in-person event) If you have any questions please email [email protected] or phone 323-663-2167 Gary Lachman is the author of many books on consciousness, culture, and the western esoteric tradition, including Turn Off Your Mind: The Mystic Sixties and the Dark Side of the Aquarian Age, Aleister Crowley: Magick, Rock and Roll, and the Wickedest Man in the World, Beyond the Robot: The Life and Work of Colin Wilson, and The Secret Teachers of the Western World. In a past life he was a founding member of the rock group Blondie and in 2006 was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. "Lachman writes about philosophical and mystical ideas with exceptional grace, forcefulness and clarity." Michael Dirda, The Washington Post Recent Book: Touched By The Presence CONTENT DISCLAIMER The views, opinions, and thoughts expressed by the presenters are solely those of the presenter and may not represent those of the Philosophical Research Society (PRS), its affiliates, or any individuals associated with PRS. Presentations are intended for informational and entertainment purposes. ACCESSIBILITY PRS wants all guests to be able to enjoy our events safely and comfortably. If you require any accessibility accommodation, please reach out to [email protected] before showtime and we will be happy to assist you. REFUND POLICIES All sales are final. There are no refunds or exchanges for PRS events. If an event is cancelled entirely, tickets will be refunded or vouchers will be offered for a rescheduled event, and ticket holders will be notified. PARKING​ We encourage attendees to consider carpooling, walking or biking to events if possible, and please be considerate of our Los Feliz neighbors when parking. Street parking is available on Griffith Park Blvd. and (after 7 PM) on Los Feliz Blvd. Limited parking is available onsite at PRS in the front lot (entry from Los Feliz Blvd. when heading east). For ADA assistance, please reach out to us in advance via email ([email protected]) or phone (323.663.2167) and provide an email or number we can contact you at. PRS EVENT POLICIES • We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone. • Events are subject to change without notice, including guest speakers and/or performers. • We encourage you to arrive at least 30 min. before the scheduled event start time to find parking, enjoy the Bookstore and take your seats. • Please turn off all mobile devices before the show. Talking and texting are not allowed during the events. • No filming, audio recording or mobile phone recording of events, screenings, concerts or other programs by audience members is allowed without permission. • There is no smoking permitted on PRS grounds. • We strongly encourage guests to wear masks to PRS events to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. • PRS allows Service Animals into the facility under ADA and state guidelines. For further details please visit www.ADA.gov. No animals permitted whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support, under ADA guidelines and CA Health Code. • Please do not bring outside food or drink into PRS events. • Weapons are strictly prohibited at PRS events.