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Single Idea 5727
[filed under theme 13. Knowledge Criteria / D. Scepticism / 3. Illusion Scepticism
]
Full Idea
Paradoxical experiences (such a dreams and illusions) cannot shake our faith in the senses. Most of the illusion is due to the mental assumptions we ourselves superimpose, so that things not perceived by the senses pass for perceptions.
Gist of Idea
Most supposed delusions of the senses are really misinterpretations by the mind
Source
Lucretius (On the Nature of the Universe [c.60 BCE], IV.462)
Book Ref
Lucretius: 'On the Nature of the Universe', ed/tr. Latham,Ronald [Penguin 1951], p.144
A Reaction
Some misinterpretations of the senses, such as thinking a square tower round, are the result of foolish lack of judgement, but actual delusions within the senses, such as a ringing in the ears, or a pain in a amputated leg, seem like real sense failures.
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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