Epistemology: Percption- 04. Perceptual Variation Flashcards
What is the hallucination objection to direct realism?
In a hallucination, we perceive something having some property F. When we perceive something having this property F, there is something that has this property. We don’t perceive a physical object at all. Therefore, we see sense-data, and not physical objects, immediately.
What is the problem from perceptual variation?
Perceptual variation challenges direct realism by showing that our perception of an object can change without any corresponding change in the object itself.
What example does Russell provide to illustrate perceptual variation?
Russell uses the example of a shiny brown table, which does not look the same color all over depending on the observer’s position.
What does Russell argue regarding the properties of physical objects?
Russell argues that the properties we perceive, such as smoothness or color, are not the same as the actual properties of the physical object.
What is the appearance/reality distinction according to Russell?
There is an appearance/reality distinction where what we perceive immediately is not the physical object and its properties.
What do sense-data refer to?
Sense-data are mental images or representations of what is perceived, the ‘content’ of perceptual experience.
How do sense-data differ from physical objects?
Sense-data are distinct from physical objects; they are mind-dependent and vary while the physical object does not.
What is the direct realist’s reply to the challenge posed by perceptual variation?
The direct realist argues that the color of the table is the color it appears to have when seen by normal observers under normal conditions.
True or False: According to Russell, we perceive physical objects directly.
False
Fill in the blank: Sense-data are the immediate objects of perception and are ______.
private
What does Russell’s argument imply about our awareness in perception?
Our awareness in perception is not exactly the same as what exists independently of our minds.
What is Direct Realism?
Direct Realism is the philosophical position that we perceive physical objects directly without any intermediary.
What is Russell’s analogy of the shiny brown table?
Russell’s analogy illustrates that the table’s perceived color varies based on the observer’s position, challenging the notion of direct perception of physical properties.
