Single Idea 6464

[catalogued under 12. Knowledge Sources / B. Perception / 4. Sense Data / b. Nature of sense-data]

Full Idea

The sense-datum is an external object of which in sensation the subject is aware; it is true that the sense-datum is in many cases in the subject's body, but the subject's body is as distinct from the subject as tables and chairs are.

Gist of Idea

Sense-data are usually objects within the body, but are not part of the subject

Source

Bertrand Russell (The Relation of Sense-Data to Physics [1914], §IV)

Book Reference

Russell,Bertrand: 'Mysticism and Logic' [Unwin 1989], p.146


A Reaction

This is probably Russell's clearest statement of the nature of sense-data, which are objects within the subjects body, but are not part of the mind. So once again we come up against the question of their ontology. Are they made of neurons?