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Single Idea 20800
[filed under theme 13. Knowledge Criteria / D. Scepticism / 3. Illusion Scepticism
]
Full Idea
[The sceptical Academics say] what is false cannot be perceived, but every true presentation is such that there can be a false presentation of the same quality.
Gist of Idea
Every true presentation can have a false one of the same quality
Source
M. Tullius Cicero (Academica [c.45 BCE], II.40)
Book Ref
'The Stoics Reader', ed/tr. Inwood,B/Gerson,L.P. [Hackett 2008], p.41
A Reaction
It was the stoics who focused the discussion on 'presentations'. This claim is purely theoretical; no one has ever experienced a false presentation of talking to a family member that was as vivid as the real thing.
The
18 ideas
with the same theme
[our confidence in perception is undermined by illusions]:
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6010
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Illusions are not false perceptions, as we accurately perceive the pattern of atoms
[Epicurus, by Modrak]
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2668
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Epicurus says if one of a man's senses ever lies, none of his senses should ever be believed
[Epicurus, by Cicero]
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2667
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A false object might give the same presentation as a true one
[Arcesilaus, by Cicero]
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5727
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Most supposed delusions of the senses are really misinterpretations by the mind
[Lucretius]
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20800
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Every true presentation can have a false one of the same quality
[Cicero]
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1881
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The same oar seems bent in water and straight when out of it
[Sext.Empiricus]
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1882
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The necks of doves appear different in colour depending on the angle of viewing
[Sext.Empiricus]
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1872
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The same tower appears round from a distance, but square close at hand
[Sext.Empiricus]
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1873
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If we press the side of an eyeball, objects appear a different shape
[Sext.Empiricus]
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3621
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Only judgement decides which of our senses are reliable
[Descartes]
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2249
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It is prudent never to trust your senses if they have deceived you even once
[Descartes]
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3620
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We correct sense errors with other senses, not intellect
[Mersenne on Descartes]
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3619
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The senses can only report, so perception errors are in the judgment
[Gassendi on Descartes]
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2296
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If pain is felt in a lost limb, I cannot be certain that a felt pain exists in my real limbs
[Descartes]
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3944
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It is possible that we could perceive everything as we do now, but nothing actually existed.
[Berkeley]
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2236
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Examples of illusion only show that sense experience needs correction by reason
[Hume]
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6642
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Psychologists say illusions only occur in unnatural and passive situations
[Lowe]
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9121
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Illusions are not a reason for skepticism, but a source of interesting scientific information
[Sorensen]
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