Single Idea 9121

[catalogued under 13. Knowledge Criteria / D. Scepticism / 3. Illusion Scepticism]

Full Idea

Philosophers tend to associate illusions with skepticism. But since illusions are signs of modular construction, they are actually reason for scientific hope. Illusions have been very useful in helping us to understand vision.

Gist of Idea

Illusions are not a reason for skepticism, but a source of interesting scientific information

Source

Roy Sorensen (Vagueness and Contradiction [2001], 1.4)

Book Reference

Sorensen,Roy: 'Vagueness and Contradiction' [OUP 2004], p.38


A Reaction

This is a nice reversal of the usual view. If I see double, it reveals to me that my eyes are not aligned properly. Anyone led to scepticism by illusions should pay more attention to themselves, and less to the reality they hope to know directly.