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Single Idea 9121
[filed under theme 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 Ref
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.
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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