Perceptual experiences, concepts and the reasons behind our beliefs : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Philosophy at Massey University

Abstract

How does perception tell us about the world around us? Do our perceptual experiences represent the world to us? If so, how are they representational? Moreover, how do our perceptual experiences provide the basis for our empirical beliefs? 1 The way in which one characterises perceptual experience shapes one's subsequent account of how perceptual experiences cause empirical beliefs. Therefore the answer to the question 'what is a perceptual experience?' will largely affect the response to 'how can perceptual experiences cause beliefs?' (Why this is the case will be shown in the following discussion.) These questions are among those that are central to the philosophy of perception. Let us look at the first one: How does perception tell us about our environment? Many philosophers agree that perception tells us about the way the world is by being representational of the world. This theory of perception is one of many amongst the philosophy of mind that fall under the umbrella of Intentionalism, or representationalism.--From Introduction