Single Idea 23662

[catalogued under 11. Knowledge Aims / C. Knowing Reality / 1. Perceptual Realism / b. Direct realism]

Full Idea

If external objects be perceived immediately, we have the same reason to believe their existence as philosophers have to believe the existence of ideas.

Gist of Idea

The existence of ideas is no more obvious than the existence of external objects

Source

Thomas Reid (Essays on Intellectual Powers 6: Judgement [1785], 5)

Book Reference

Reid,Thomas: 'Inquiry and Essays', ed/tr. Beanblossom /K.Lehrer [Hackett 1983], p.273


A Reaction

He doesn't pay much attention to mirages and delusions, but in difficult conditions of perception we are confident of our experiences but doubtful about the objects they represent.