Single Idea 7301

[catalogued under 11. Knowledge Aims / C. Knowing Reality / 2. Phenomenalism]

Full Idea

Where the idealist says that to be (i.e. to exist) is to be perceived, the phenomenalist says that to be is to be perceivable.

Gist of Idea

The phenomenalist says that to be is to be perceivable

Source

Cardinal/Hayward/Jones (Epistemology [2004], Ch.4)

Book Reference

Cardinal/Hayward/Jones: 'Epistemology: the theory of knowledge' [John Murray 2004], p.113


A Reaction

This is a nice phenomenalist slogan to add to Mill's well known one (Idea 3583). Expressed in this form, it looks false to me. What about neutrinoes? They weren't at all perceivable until recently. Maybe some physical stuff can never be perceived.

Related Idea

Idea 3583 External objects are permanent possibilities of sensation [Mill]