more from E.J. Lowe

Single Idea 6638

[catalogued under 12. Knowledge Sources / B. Perception / 3. Representation]

Full Idea

A bare knowledge that tables have a particular form will not enable one to recognise a table visually, unless one knows how something with such a form typically appears or looks from a variety of different angles.

Gist of Idea

One must be able to visually recognise a table, as well as knowing its form

Source

E.J. Lowe (Introduction to the Philosophy of Mind [2000], Ch. 6)

Book Reference

Lowe,E.J.: 'Introduction to the Philosophy of Mind' [CUP 2000], p.136


A Reaction

This seems to be a rather significant point, if we are trying to work out how concepts and models operate in the process of perception. Lowe points out that with electrons, we have some knowledge of the form, but no capacity for recognition.