Single Idea 6639

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

Full Idea

The 'disjunctive' theory of perception says that we have either veridical perception or else hallucination, but there is no common element in the form of a 'perceptual experience' which would be present in either case and merely caused in different ways.

Clarification

'Veridical' means true; 'disjunctive' means either/or

Gist of Idea

The 'disjunctive' theory of perception says true perceptions and hallucinations need have nothing in common

Source

E.J. Lowe (Introduction to the Philosophy of Mind [2000], Ch. 6)

Book Reference

Lowe,E.J.: 'Introduction to the Philosophy of Mind' [CUP 2000], p.145


A Reaction

McDowell is associated with this view. It seems to be another attempt to get rid of sense-data. It seems odd, though, to say that a hallucination of a dagger has nothing in common at all with experience of real daggers. Why did hallucinations evolve?