Skip to content
Carmelics
Topics
Thinkers
Changes
Contributors
Loading account…
Statements
321,452
Perspectives
108,905
Topics
42
Home
/
Original
/
inverse
See Original
Inverse View
It is not the case that A veridical perception requires not merely a causal connection but the right kind of causal connection between percept and object.
?
Set your confidence on the premises below to see your aggregate.
Reasons For
1 perspective
Reason for
?
1.
No principled criterion defines 'the right kind' of causation without circularity: we identify it by checking if perception succeeds.
?
How convincing is this?
Think about whether this reason is strong or weak
2.
Veridical perception in non-human animals (echolocation, magnetoreception) uses radically different causal mechanisms—suggesting mechanism-independence.
?
How convincing is this?
Think about whether this reason is strong or weak
3.
If direct causal contact suffices for simple organisms' genuine perception, the 'right kind' requirement may be unnecessary epicycles.
?
How convincing is this?
Think about whether this reason is strong or weak
Reasons Against
1 perspective
Reason against
?
1.
Barn façade cases show causation alone fails: you see a barn-shaped object caused by the real barn, yet lack genuine barn perception.
?
How convincing is this?
Think about whether this reason is strong or weak
2.
The causal chain's structure matters: deviant causal paths (like a demon manipulating neurons) preserve causation but undermine knowledge.
?
How convincing is this?
Think about whether this reason is strong or weak
3.
Normal perceptual mechanisms constitute 'the right kind'—evolutionarily reliable systems that track environmental features systematically.
?
How convincing is this?
Think about whether this reason is strong or weak
Next step
Based on where you are in your exploration
Strongest counterpoint
Explore the most compelling reason on the other side.