Indirect Realism (Representative realism)

Question 1

In what aspect do Indirect Realists and Direct Realists agree?

Answer 1

Both agree that the world consists of material objects, which occupy space, both believe in an external world and they are both realist theories.

Question 2

Name three philosophers who were Indirect Realists:

Answer 2

Russell, Moore, Ayre, Locke and Descartes.

Question 3

State three points about Indirect Realism:

Answer 3

1) Indirect Realists believe that sensations are representations of the external world.
2) They distinguish between appearance and reality using the Veil of Perception to explain Perceptual Variation.
3) They believe that the external world exists independently of us, but we bring certain qualities to our perception of it.

Question 4

Which philosopher comes up with the idea of primary and secondary qualities?

Answer 4

Locke

Question 5

Name an example to try and explain the difference between primary and secondary qualities:

Answer 5

eg.. The Alien and a £1 coin. It would be able to tell its shape, size, weight and density (primary). But it would not be able to tell its colour, smell or value (secondary.

Question 6

Describe the difference between primary and secondary qualities:

Answer 6

Primary qualities are objective, can be measured, are mind independent and they exist regardless of whether there is a perceiver. Whereas, secondary qualities are subjective, cannot be measured, are mind dependent and they need a perceiver in order to exist.

Question 7

Give three examples of primary qualities:

Answer 7

Weight, shape and size.

Question 8

Give three examples of secondary qualities:

Answer 8

Colour, smell, sound, value.

Question 9

What would a world without perceivers be like?

Answer 9

Silent, odourless and colourless. There would be no sensations of colour, sound or smell.

Question 10

How does Locke link primary and secondary qualities?

Answer 10

For Locke, Secondary qualities ultimately boil down to primary qualities. For example the primary quality could be molecules that cause smell, and the secondary quality would be the actual smell.

Question 11

Elaborate on the consideration: Primary Qualities are measurable.

Answer 11

Primary qualities are measurable whereas secondary qualities are not. This means that primary qualities can be compared. (You cannot add/subtract/multiply secondary qualities).

Question 12

Elaborate on the consideration: Development of Natural Sciences.

Answer 12

The primary quality would be things such as electromagnetic waves, which cause an experience (secondary quality) in humans, which would be the actual colour.

Question 13

Elaborate on the consideration: Which properties are essential to the object?

Answer 13

Primary qualities are essential properties to the object whereas secondary qualities are not essential. ie. We can imagine the object without secondary qualities and it will still be plausible.
eg.. The bachelor example, it is not plausible to think of a female bachelor.

Question 14

Elaborate on the consideration: Primary qualities are accessible by more than one sense.

Answer 14

Primary qualities are accessible by more than one sense whereas secondary qualities are only accessible by one sense.
eg.. We can see and hear the movement of a bus (primary), but we can’t hear the redness of an apple (secondary).

Question 15

Give one strength of Indirect Realism:

Answer 15

It has the ability to face problems with direct realism, e.g.. perceptual variation, illusions and hallucinations.

Question 16

Conclusion:

Answer 16

As long as we know which aspects of our sense data are accurate representations of the external world, we can use our senses to build up an accurate picture of it.

Question 17

Name the four considerations which have led philosophers to drawing the distinction between primary and secondary qualities:

Answer 17

1) Primary qualities are measurable
2) Development of natural sciences
3) Which properties are essential to the object
4) Primary qualities are accessible by more than one sense

Question 18

State four points about sense-data…

Answer 18

1) It is non physical
2) It exists if someone is having an appropriate experience
3) They are private
4) There is no possibility of being mistaken about it

Question 19

Which philosopher describes sense-data as ideas?

Answer 19

Locke