THEORIES OF PERCEPTION Flashcards
Define perception
is a mental impression based on sensory data- it is the way you interpret data around you using one or more of the senses
Define the theory common sense realism
Objects exists in the world separate from our minds and what we are perceiving
-What you see, hear, touch, taste, and smell is exactly what you get!
-Our senses pick up qualities of objects in the world and everybody should perceive them the same way
What is a criticism of the theory of common sense realism?
We all perceive objects differently
What is the representative realism theory? Who is the philosopher associated with this theory?
Agrees with the common-sense realists argument that the world consists of real objects that we can know
-does not believe that we represent objects in our minds directly the way they are
-Makes a clear distinction between the sensory information receiving by the body about an object and how the object is perceived by the mind
-Philosopher: John Locke
What is a criticism of representative realism?
Consider an image a person has in their minds that does not perfectly match what they are observing in the world- for example, hallucinations
Define subjective idealism. Who is the philosopher associated with this theory?
Argues that no reality exists apart from the idea created by our own sensations
-Physical objects are simply collections of sensory data or ideas existing in the mind
-Ultimately, God is the source of the idea in our mind
-We cannot claim to know that objects exists outside of the human mind
-Philosophy- George Berkely
What is a criticism of subjective idealism?
How can we create absolute knowledge, if no reality exists apart from the idea created by our sensations. If our senses are impaired, so will our knowledge
What is the theory of phenomenalism about? Who is the philosopher associated with this theory?
Argues that humans are incapable of perceiving objects in the world as they really are
-We can only know objects as they appear to us
-The human mind has a certain structure or form (Time, space, causation, etc). We use these structures to make sense of what we perceive
-Our senses and reason play a role in arriving at truths about the world
-Philosopher- immanuel Kant
What is the criticism of this theory of phenomenalism
objects appear differently to everyone, our senses and reasoning skills differ- will there be unity in knowledge?
