Single Idea 16723

[catalogued under 12. Knowledge Sources / B. Perception / 1. Perception]

Full Idea

Perception of the special objects of sense is never in error or admits the least possible amount of falsehood.

Gist of Idea

Perception of sensible objects is virtually never wrong

Source

Aristotle (De Anima [c.329 BCE], 428b19)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'The Basic Works of Aristotle', ed/tr. McKeon,Richard [Modern Library Classics 2001], p.589


A Reaction

This is, surprisingly, the view which was raised and largely rejected in 'Theaetetus'. It became a doctrine of Epicureanism, and seems to make Aristotle a thoroughgoing empiricist, though that is not so clear elsewhere. I think Aristotle is right.