Mimesis as Make-Believe

Representations in visual arts and fiction play an important part in our lives and culture. Walton presents here a theory of the nature of representation, which illuminates its many varieties and goes a long way toward explaining its importance. Walton's theory also provides solutions to thorny philosophical problems concerning the existence of fictitious beings. Throughout, his analysis is illustrated by a rich array of examples drawn from literature, painting, sculpture, theatre, and film.