PERCEPTION- Berkeleys Use Of Perceptual Variation

Question 1

How did Locke use perceptual variation

Answer 1

To show that certain perceived qualities cannot exist in material objects as we perceive them

Question 2

How does Berkeley use perceptual variation

Answer 2

Argues that PQ are subject to perceptual relativity and so cannot be considered as real properties of external objects

Question 3

Where does Berkeley highlight his perceptual variation argument

Answer 3

Dialogue 1

Question 4

Give Berkeleys PV argument relating to size

Answer 4

P1) what is small to us will look big to a mite
P2) a material object cannot be both big and small at the same time
C) therefore size cannot be a property of material objects

Question 5

Give Berkeleys PV argument relating to shape

Answer 5

P1) the perceived shape of an object changes depending on the angle of observation
P2) an object cannot have different shapes at the same time
C) therefore shape cannot be a property of material objects

Question 6

What is Berkeleys PV conclusion

Answer 6

The PQ are mind- dependent, just like SQ

Question 7

What premises can be accepted in Berkeleys PV argument

Answer 7

The first two as it’s true that the way we perceive objects depends on the position etc of the perceiver

Question 8

What argument do indirect realists use against Berkeleys PV argument

Answer 8

P1) the apparent size, shape and motion of an object varies
P2) a material objects objective properties cannot vary
C) therefore the apparent size, shape and motion cannot be objective properties of material objects. But a material object can still have some specific size, shape and motion independent of the mind