Single Idea 23639

[catalogued under 12. Knowledge Sources / B. Perception / 5. Interpretation]

Full Idea

If it be made a question whether the toothache be in the mind that feels it, or in tooth that is affected, much might be said on both sides, while it is not observed that the word has two meanings.

Gist of Idea

It is unclear whether a toothache is in the mind or in the tooth, but the word has a single meaning

Source

Thomas Reid (Essays on Intellectual Powers 2: Senses [1785], 18)

Book Reference

Reid,Thomas: 'Inquiry and Essays', ed/tr. Beanblossom /K.Lehrer [Hackett 1983], p.187


A Reaction

I'm glad Reid was struck by the weird phenomenon of the brain apparently 'projecting' a pain into a tooth. Presumably before the brain's role was known, people were unaware of this puzzle. There certainly are not two distinct experiences.