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Single Idea 1881

[filed under theme 13. Knowledge Criteria / D. Scepticism / 3. Illusion Scepticism ]

Full Idea

The same oar seems bent when in the water but straight when out of the water.

Clarification

A classic example to support scepticism about our perception of reality

Gist of Idea

The same oar seems bent in water and straight when out of it

Source

Sextus Empiricus (Outlines of Pyrrhonism [c.180], I.119)

Book Ref

Sextus Empiricus: 'Outlines of Pyrrhonism', ed/tr. Bury,R.G. [Prometheus 1990], p.51