Combining Texts

Ideas for 'Phenomenalism', 'Preface to Great Instauration (Renewal)' and 'Reference and Definite Descriptions'

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2 ideas

12. Knowledge Sources / B. Perception / 1. Perception
16724 The senses deceive, but also show their own errors [Bacon]
     Full Idea: It is certain that the senses deceive, but they also testify to their own errors.
     From: Francis Bacon (Preface to Great Instauration (Renewal) [1620], p.32), quoted by Robert Pasnau - Metaphysical Themes 1274-1671 22.1
     A reaction: Nice. This is the empiricist view, rather than the rationalist line that reason sorts out the mess created by the senses. Most people know things if you just show them.
12. Knowledge Sources / B. Perception / 4. Sense Data / a. Sense-data theory
2615 The concept of sense-data allows us to discuss appearances without worrying about reality [Ayer]
     Full Idea: The introduction of the term 'sense-datum' is a means of referring to appearances without prejudging the question of what it is, if anything, that they are appearances of.
     From: A.J. Ayer (Phenomenalism [1947], §1)