Single Idea 17769

[catalogued under 18. Thought / A. Modes of Thought / 8. Human Thought]

Full Idea

Egocentric conceptions of space employ a frame of reference that is focused on oneself; ...geocentric conceptions of space, by contrast, employ a frame of reference that is centred on the earth.

Gist of Idea

Some people centre space on themselves; others centre space on the earth

Source

Tim Bayne (Thought: a very short introduction [2013], Ch.5)

Book Reference

Bayne,Tim: 'Thought: a very short introduction' [OUP 2013], p.64


A Reaction

Famously, Europeans nearly always employ the egocentric conception, but many other cultures are geocentric. Thus the salt cellar is either 'to my left' or 'to the west'. In the latter view, everyone always knows their orientation (even indoors?).