Single Idea 4103

[catalogued under 12. Knowledge Sources / B. Perception / 8. Adverbial Theory]

Full Idea

The Adverbial Theory of perception holds that the predicates which other theories take as picking out the properties of objects are really adverbs of the perceptual verb; ..instead of strange objects, we just have properties of experiences.

Clarification

'Adverbial' because we don't see a blue object, we 'see bluely'

Gist of Idea

The adverbial theory of perceptions says it is the experiences which have properties, not the objects

Source

Tim Crane (Elements of Mind [2001], 5.42)

Book Reference

Crane,Tim: 'Elements of Mind' [OUP 2001], p.138


A Reaction

Promising. It fits secondary qualities all right, but what about primary? I 'see bluely', but can I 'see squarely'?