PERCEPTION - Issues With Direct Realism: Time Lag

Question 1

Where is this argument outlined

Answer 1

Russell’s problems of philosophy
Chapter two

Question 2

How does the argument begin

Answer 2

Stating that it takes time for light from the sun to travel to earth- around 8 mins
When you look at the sun you do t see the sun as it is now but of how it was 8 mins ago.
The sun could cease to exist and you wouldn’t know until 8 mins later

Question 3

What does the time lag argument mean

Answer 3

If what you are seeing may no longer exist, you cannot really be seeing it. What you are seeing is sense data caused in you by the subs light impacting on your visual system and not the sun itself.
What is true of objects in the distance is the same if those objects were up close, its just that there is a shorter time-lag.
the immediate objects of perception are sense data and our perception of all physical objects is indirect

Question 4

Outline the time-lag argument

Answer 4

P1) the light from distant objects take time to reach our eyes
C1) so what you are seeing now may no longer exist
C2) so what we are seeing and what there is are different
P2) This is no less true for physical objects at any distance
C3) Therefore what we directly see are the appearances not the physical objects, and direct realism is false