RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Imaginary restrictions. JF Journal of Medical Ethics JO J Med Ethics FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Institute of Medical Ethics SP 171 OP 175 DO 10.1136/jme.24.3.171 VO 24 IS 3 A1 N Pickering YR 1998 UL http://jme.bmj.com/content/24/3/171.abstract AB The role of literature and imagination in medicine and medical ethics is currently under discussion. This paper argues that the role of literature is not to furnish generalisable examples for guidance. Rather, engagement with literature parallels moral engagement with other people. The work of the imagination, in this context, is not to hypothesise, but to grant life to the characters and world of literature. In doing this, one may develop one's moral life.