Indirect realism

Question 1

What is indirect realism?

Answer 1

World consists of material objects (realism) that have some mind-independent properties and are mind independent themselves
-However claims what we are immediately aware of is sense-data rather than object itself

Question 2

what are primary qualities?

Answer 2

• Properties within an object
• Mind independent
• utterly inseparable from object
• Persist through sensory changes even if object is divided smaller and smaller
• Constitutes reality
• Extension, shape, motion, number and solidity

Question 3

What are secondary qualities?

Answer 3

• Properties that produce a sensational observer
• Mind dependent, constitutes experience
• Depends on being perceived
• Caused by primary qualities
• Colours, sounds, tastes, smell, temperature etc.

Question 4

What is scepticism about nature of the external world?

Answer 4

IR leads to scepticism about whether external world is accurately resembled by mental world

• SQ within our minds so we can’t objectively say compare sense-data to reality
• Cannot tell whether SQ accurately resembles PQ or if PQ accurately resemble reality (Veil of perception)

Question 5

What is Locke’s defence? (Nature of external world)

Answer 5

We have a lack of choice over our experiences as they are forced upon us:

• Implies universal reality causes it
• However we don’t have a choice what we experience in dreams
• Locke takes the fact real life is more vivid than dream as evidence that it’s being co-used by external reality

Coherence of our sense, the best explanation of the external world simulating:

• Sensory experience - unlikely all senses be tricked
• However could be Descartes’ ‘evil demon’ controlling everything