Single Idea 6452

[catalogued under 12. Knowledge Sources / B. Perception / 4. Sense Data / a. Sense-data theory]

Full Idea

The term 'sense-data' gained currency around 1910, through writings of Moore and Russell, but it seems to denote at least some of the things referred to as 'ideas of sense' (Locke), or 'ideas' and 'sensible qualities' (Berkeley), or 'impressions' (Hume).

Gist of Idea

'Sense-data' arrived in 1910, but it denotes ideas in Locke, Berkeley and Hume

Source

Thomas Mautner (Penguin Dictionary of Philosophy [1996], p.518)

Book Reference

Mautner,Thomas: 'Dictionary of Philosophy' [Penguin 1997], p.518


A Reaction

See also Hobbes in Idea 2356 for an even earlier version. It looks as if the concept of sense-data is almost unavoidable for empiricists, and yet most modern empiricists have rejected them. You still have to give an account of perceptual illusions.

Related Idea

Idea 2356 Appearance and reality can be separated by mirrors and echoes [Hobbes]