Single Idea 5803

[catalogued under 16. Persons / C. Self-Awareness / 1. Introspection]

Full Idea

On a representational theory of the mind, introspection becomes an instance of displaced perception - knowledge of internal (mental) facts via an awareness of external (physical) objects.

Gist of Idea

In a representational theory of mind, introspection is displaced perception

Source

Fred Dretske (Naturalizing the Mind [1997], §2)

Book Reference

Dretske,Fred: 'Naturalizing the Mind' [MIT 1997], p.40


A Reaction

This sounds close to a behaviourist (e.g. Ryle) account of introspection, via observing one's own behaviour. The word 'displaced' is an easy one, concealing a multitude of questions.