Epistemology: Percption-05. Indirect Realism and Sense Data

Question 1

What is the Perceptual Variation argument against Direct Realism?

Answer 1

There are variations in perception. Our perception varies without corresponding changes in the physical object we perceive. Therefore, what we are immediately aware of in perception is not exactly the same as what exists independently of our minds. Therefore, we do not perceive physical objects directly.

Question 2

What does Indirect Realism claim?

Answer 2

We perceive physical objects which are mind-independent, but we do so via mind-dependent sense-data that are caused by and represent physical objects.

Question 3

Define Sense Data.

Answer 3

Sense-data refers to the immediate objects of perception in cases where we have perceptual experiences.

Question 4

Provide an example of Sense Data.

Answer 4

When looking at a circular coin from an angle, it may appear elliptical or oval rather than round.

Question 5

What are the characteristics of Sense Data?

Answer 5

• Private: Unique to each individual’s experience and not shared or directly observable by others.
• Dependent on Perception: They only exist when they are perceived.
• Variable: Can change based on perspective, lighting, and other conditions.

Question 6

How does Indirect Realism explain time-lag in perception?

Answer 6

Indirect realism suggests that our perception is not of the object in its current state but of its past state, as represented by sense data.

Question 7

What is the explanation of Indirect Realism for illusions?

Answer 7

Illusions are misrepresentations where sense data distort the properties of an actual object.

Question 8

How does Indirect Realism explain hallucinations?

Answer 8

Hallucinations are entirely mind-generated sense data with no external cause.

Question 9

What role do sense data play in perceptual variation according to Indirect Realism?

Answer 9

Sense data serve as interpretive representations that account for variations in perception.

Question 10

True or False: Perceptual Variation, Argument from Hallucination, and Argument from Illusion are arguments against Indirect Realism.

Answer 10

False

Question 11

Fill in the blank: Indirect realism maintains that we are always perceiving _______.

Answer 11

sense data