Indirect Realism Flashcards
What does indirect realism claim?
If we perceive something having property F, then there is something that has this property, which could be sense-data
What is sense-data?
Opposite to physical objects
Mind dependent
Always perceive it
Private
Objection to indirect realism
If all we experience is sense-data, what causes this, could it be physical objects
Russell’s counter-argument to objection to indirect realism
We don’t know what causes sense-data, but its our best explanation of our experience
What does Locke thinks about indirect realism?
Can’t choose what we perceive
Physical objects therefore exist
What is the alternative interpretation of indirect realism?
Perceive physical objects via sense-data, so existence of physical objects isn’t a hypothesis
How is Locke inconsistent about relationship between PQ’s and SQ’s?
PQ’s can’t be changed and are properties in themselves
SQ’s are at first relational properties, but then says they’re subjective and existing in perceiving the mind
What does Locke say about the external world and sense-data?
World: only PQ’s, but perceive it as having SQ’s as well
Sense-data: resembles the world with respect to PQ’s
How does direct realism reply to indirect realism?
Defends that SQ’s are relational properties, e.g. to be red is to look red to normal perceiver in normal light
What is Berkeley’s opinion on direct realism?
Sense-data data doesn’t resemble mind-independent physical objects.
PQ’s are mind dependent as well
What does Russell think of Berkeley’s point of view?
Agrees
Sense-data still represent physical objects
Russell’s theory
Mind independent physical objects cause mind-dependent perceptual experiences
