Epistemology: Percption- 08. Russell and Locke's Response to Skepticism Flashcards
What is indirect realism?
A theory of perception suggesting that the immediate objects of perception are mind-dependent sense data caused by and representing real mind-independent objects.
What is the problem of skepticism for indirect realism?
Skepticism questions how we can be sure an external world exists if all knowledge comes through mental representations.
What is Russell’s best fit hypothesis response to skepticism?
The existence of an external world is the simplest and most reasonable explanation for consistent sensory experiences.
What example does Russell use to illustrate his best fit hypothesis?
Observing a cat in different parts of the room at different times suggests a real cat moving through the space.
What are the two arguments Locke presents regarding sense data?
- Sense data are produced in my mind by an exterior cause. 2. Different senses confirm the information each supplies.
How does Locke argue that we can confirm our experiences using different senses?
If I see a fire and doubt its reality, I can confirm it by touching it.
What does Locke’s argument from multiple-perception suggest?
There must be something independent of being perceived that both senses can perceive.
How does Locke’s writing on paper example support the existence of the external world?
I can change how a piece of paper looks by writing on it, and once written, I cannot change the words I see.
What do primary qualities represent according to Locke?
Qualities that physical objects have themselves.
What do secondary qualities represent according to Locke?
Properties of the sense-data alone, produced in perception.
What has been challenged regarding the resemblance of physical objects to sense data?
Some thinkers suggest that we wouldn’t know the form of physical objects without experiencing them directly.
What terminology shift has occurred among some indirect realists?
From ‘resembles’ to ‘represents’ to better fit our lack of understanding of the physical world.
