Indirect realism

“ the immediate objects of perception are mind independent objects ( sense data) that are caused by and represent mind - independent objects”

Indirect realism is a view that:

  • the external world exists independently of the mind

  • but we perceive the external would indirectly via sense data

Most philosophers who argue for indirect realism start with the problems for direct realism. The many differences between reality and our perceptions of it, they say, make direct realism implausible

sense data:

  • can be described as the content of perceptual experience

  • it only exists in the mind

John Locke: Primary and secondary qualities

Primary qualities are properties that are inherent in the object itself ( objective)

  • size

  • shape

  • motion

  • number

  • electrical charge

Secondary qualities: powers of an object to cause sensations in humans ( subjective)

  • colour

  • taste

  • smell

  • feel