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Single Idea 6461
[filed under theme 12. Knowledge Sources / B. Perception / 4. Sense Data / c. Unperceived sense-data
]
Full Idea
We cannot ask, 'Can sense-data exist without being given?' for that is like asking, 'Can husbands exist without being married?'
Clarification
'Given' means presented for experience
Gist of Idea
Ungiven sense-data can no more exist than unmarried husbands
Source
Bertrand Russell (The Relation of Sense-Data to Physics [1914], §III)
Book Ref
Russell,Bertrand: 'Mysticism and Logic' [Unwin 1989], p.143
A Reaction
This follows hard on Idea 6460, which introduces the idea of 'sensibilia' for things which are like sense-data, but are not 'given'. This is a new distinction in 1914, which he had not made in 1912.
Related Idea
Idea 6460
'Sensibilia' are identical to sense-data, without actually being data for any mind [Russell]
The
18 ideas
from 'The Relation of Sense-Data to Physics'
6483
|
Russell held that we are aware of states of our own brain
[Russell, by Robinson,H]
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8244
|
Sense-data are qualities devoid of subjectivity, which are the basis of science
[Russell, by Deleuze/Guattari]
|
6459
|
We do not know whether sense-data exist as objects when they are not data
[Russell]
|
6458
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Individuating sense-data is difficult, because they divide when closely attended to
[Russell]
|
6460
|
'Sensibilia' are identical to sense-data, without actually being data for any mind
[Russell]
|
6461
|
Ungiven sense-data can no more exist than unmarried husbands
[Russell]
|
6462
|
Sense-data are not mental, but are part of the subject-matter of physics
[Russell]
|
6463
|
Sense-data are objects, and do not contain the subject as part, the way beliefs do
[Russell]
|
6464
|
Sense-data are usually objects within the body, but are not part of the subject
[Russell]
|
6470
|
Matter is the limit of appearances as distance from the object diminishes
[Russell]
|
6465
|
We need not deny substance, but there seems no reason to assert it
[Russell]
|
6466
|
Where possible, logical constructions are to be substituted for inferred entities
[Russell]
|
6467
|
No sensibile is ever a datum to two people at once
[Russell]
|
6468
|
There is 'private space', and there is also the 'space of perspectives'
[Russell]
|
6469
|
Sense-data may be subjective, if closing our eyes can change them
[Russell]
|
6471
|
The assumption by physicists of permanent substance is not metaphysically legitimate
[Russell]
|
6472
|
Continuity is a sufficient criterion for the identity of a rock, but not for part of a smooth fluid
[Russell]
|
6473
|
Physical things are series of appearances whose matter obeys physical laws
[Russell]
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