Single Idea 2237

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

Full Idea

Men instinctively suppose the very images presented by the senses to be the external objects, and never entertain any suspicion that the one is nothing but representations of the other.

Gist of Idea

It never occurs to people that they only experience representations, not the real objects

Source

David Hume (Enquiry Conc Human Understanding [1748], XII.I.117)

Book Reference

Hume,David: 'Enquiries Conc. Human Understanding, Morals', ed/tr. Selby-Bigge/Nidditch [OUP 1975], p.151