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Single Idea 3944
[filed under theme 13. Knowledge Criteria / D. Scepticism / 3. Illusion Scepticism
]
Full Idea
We might perceive all things just as we do now, though there was no matter in the world.
Gist of Idea
It is possible that we could perceive everything as we do now, but nothing actually existed.
Source
George Berkeley (Three Dialogues of Hylas and Philonous [1713], II p.209)
Book Ref
Berkeley,George: 'The Principles of Human Knowledge etc.', ed/tr. Warnock,G.J. [Fontana 1962], p.209
A Reaction
An old Greek argument. Now we have an explanation of experience, but we wouldn't if nothing existed. Which doesn't prove that anything exists. Is some explanation always preferable to none? Cf. religion.
The
18 ideas
with the same theme
[our confidence in perception is undermined by illusions]:
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6010
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Illusions are not false perceptions, as we accurately perceive the pattern of atoms
[Epicurus, by Modrak]
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2668
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Epicurus says if one of a man's senses ever lies, none of his senses should ever be believed
[Epicurus, by Cicero]
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2667
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A false object might give the same presentation as a true one
[Arcesilaus, by Cicero]
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5727
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Most supposed delusions of the senses are really misinterpretations by the mind
[Lucretius]
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20800
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Every true presentation can have a false one of the same quality
[Cicero]
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1881
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The same oar seems bent in water and straight when out of it
[Sext.Empiricus]
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1882
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The necks of doves appear different in colour depending on the angle of viewing
[Sext.Empiricus]
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1872
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The same tower appears round from a distance, but square close at hand
[Sext.Empiricus]
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1873
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If we press the side of an eyeball, objects appear a different shape
[Sext.Empiricus]
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3621
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Only judgement decides which of our senses are reliable
[Descartes]
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2249
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It is prudent never to trust your senses if they have deceived you even once
[Descartes]
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3619
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The senses can only report, so perception errors are in the judgment
[Gassendi on Descartes]
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3620
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We correct sense errors with other senses, not intellect
[Mersenne on Descartes]
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2296
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If pain is felt in a lost limb, I cannot be certain that a felt pain exists in my real limbs
[Descartes]
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3944
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It is possible that we could perceive everything as we do now, but nothing actually existed.
[Berkeley]
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2236
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Examples of illusion only show that sense experience needs correction by reason
[Hume]
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6642
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Psychologists say illusions only occur in unnatural and passive situations
[Lowe]
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9121
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Illusions are not a reason for skepticism, but a source of interesting scientific information
[Sorensen]
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