Epistemology

A Level philosophy flash cards - Epistemology. Includes perception, scepticism, reason as a source of knowledge, defining knowledge.

Direct Realism

Direct Realism

The theory of perception that we perceive mind-independent objects, directly and unmediated.

What is Realism in perception?

The theory that what we perceive are objects that exist mind-independent, in reality.

What is meant by ‘naive realism?’

Referring to direct realism, suggesting that it is overly-simplistic and more scepticism should be applied.

What 3 phenomena can be used to criticise direct realism?

1. illusions

2. hallucinations

3. time-lag

What is the argument from illusion and what aspect of direct realism does it criticise?

With illusions, the images we perceive do not accurately reflect the true and normal state of the object. It suggests perception is not direct because there is something mediating perception that changes the image.

What is the argument from hallucination and what aspect of direct realism does it criticise?

When we hallucinate, we are perceiving something that does not exist in reality. It criticises realism as hallucinations are mind-dependent.

What is the time-lag argument and what aspect of direct realism does it criticise?

The things we perceive are not in real time, because the speed of light slightly delays the images we see. This criticises the direct aspect of direct realism because it suggests that our perception is affected by the speed of light, mediating it.

What is veridical perception?

Accurate perception (not hallucinations etc.)

Which contribution did Russell make to criticisms of Direct Realism and what other theory does this support?

Perceptual Variation, supports Indirect Realism

What is the argument from perceptual variation?

When 2 people look at the same object, they see 2 different images based on their position in relation to the object. This suggests that there is some mediation that causes an object to appear different to each person, so perception is indirect.

What defence do direct realists use against perceptual variation?

Relational Properties

What are relational properties?

There are 2 types of properties: physical and relational. Relational properties are the properties that objects have in relation to other objects. You still directly perceive these properties, but these properties are mind-dependent (whereas the physical properties are mind-independent and intrinsic to the object.)

What is Indirect Realism?

The theory of perception that we perceive real, mind-independent objects, but this perception is mediated by sense-data.