Realism, Idealism, Empiricism, and Nativism
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Questions and Answers

According to philosophical realism, what is the primary role of our sensory apparatus in perception?

  • To filter and modify external stimuli before they reach the brain.
  • To faithfully copy information from the external world and transmit it to the brain. (correct)
  • To create an internal representation of the external world that may not accurately reflect reality.
  • To interpret and construct a subjective understanding of the external world.

Which of the following best describes the central idea of philosophical idealism?

  • The mind is a blank slate at birth, gradually filled with experiences.
  • Our perception is a direct replication of information received from the external world.
  • Perception is the brain's interpretation of sensory input combined with prior knowledge. (correct)
  • Knowledge is primarily derived from sensory experience.

How would an idealist likely explain why two people might perceive the same object differently?

  • One person's perception is a more accurate representation of reality.
  • The object itself changes its properties depending on who is observing it.
  • Varying past experiences and prior knowledge influence the brain's interpretation of sensory data. (correct)
  • Differences in sensory acuity lead to variations in the information received.

Which of the following statements would John Locke most likely agree with?

<p>Sensory information provides a direct and accurate representation of the external world. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Kant's theory of idealism differ from Locke's theory of realism?

<p>Kant believed perception is an interpretation, while Locke thought it was a faithful copy. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a neuroscientist discovered that the brain actively filters and modifies sensory input before it reaches conscious awareness, which philosophical perspective would this evidence best support?

<p>Idealism (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Consider a scenario where a person sees a distorted image due to a malfunctioning camera lens. Which philosophical view aligns with the idea that our perception is akin to this distorted image?

<p>Idealism, because the image is an interpretation influenced by the lens (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How might an idealist philosopher explain the phenomenon of optical illusions?

<p>Optical illusions occur when the brain misinterprets sensory information based on prior assumptions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Kant, what role do 'conceptions' play in our understanding of the world?

<p>They act as pre-existing knowledge that shapes our perceptions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does modern psychology generally view the nature of perception, aligning with either empiricism or idealism?

<p>It leans towards idealism, viewing perception as an inference or 'best guess' made by the brain. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is philosophical empiricism's central claim about the origin of knowledge?

<p>All knowledge is derived from experience, with the mind starting as a 'blank slate'. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does philosophical nativism contrast with philosophical empiricism regarding the acquisition of knowledge?

<p>Nativism proposes that some knowledge is innate or pre-programmed, while empiricism argues that all knowledge comes from experience. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why did Kant argue that concepts like space, time, and causality must be innate?

<p>Because these concepts are necessary to learn anything else, implying they cannot themselves be learned. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the modern psychological perspective on the 'nature versus nurture' debate?

<p>Modern psychology acknowledges the importance of both innate factors and experience in shaping knowledge and behavior. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a researcher is investigating how newborn infants respond to basic physical laws, which philosophical perspective are they most likely exploring?

<p>Nativism, exploring the possibility of innate knowledge or predispositions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What implications arise if the 'tabula rasa' theory is proven entirely incorrect?

<p>Innate predispositions and biases would significantly shape how individuals perceive and learn. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following questions is most directly related to the 'nature versus nurture' debate, as discussed?

<p>To what extent are our personality traits determined by genetics versus upbringing? (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Kant's philosophy, what distinguishes human understanding from a purely passive recording of sensory information?

<p>The mind's active role in structuring and interpreting sensory input through innate concepts. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Philosophical Realism

The view that our perceptions are a faithful copy of the world entering our brains through our senses.

John Locke

British philosopher who championed philosophical realism and influenced liberal democracies.

Philosophical Idealism

The view that our perceptions are our brain's interpretation of sensory information.

Immanuel Kant

Philosopher who believed our perceptions are interpretations, not just copies.

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Realism: How eye functions

Sensory input is directly copied and transferred to the brain.

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Idealism: How eye functions

The view where the brain interprets sensory data.

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Information and Realism

Raw sensory information from the world.

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Information and Idealism

Adding interpretations and past experiences to the information received.

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Kant's View on Perception

The mind uses innate knowledge (conceptions) to shape perceptions of the world.

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Perception as Inference

Perception is an inference, the brain's best guess about external reality.

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Philosophical Empiricism

All knowledge is acquired through experience.

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Tabula Rasa

A newborn mind is a 'blank slate' upon which experience writes.

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Philosophical Nativism

Some knowledge is innate (inborn) rather than acquired.

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Innate Concepts (Kant)

Basic concepts (space, time, causality, number) are pre-programmed.

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Nature vs. Nurture

Debate over the relative contributions of genetics (nature) and environment (nurture) in development.

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Infant Knowledge

Even newborns possess some basic understanding of physics and math.

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Innate Knowledge

Knowledge about fundamental aspects of reality that is considered inborn.

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Causality

Basic understanding of cause and effect relationships.

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Study Notes

Realism and Idealism

  • Philosophical realism posits that our perceptions of the physical world are a direct, faithful copy of information received by our sensory organs.
  • John Locke (1632–1704) championed philosophical realism, suggesting our eyes act like cameras, sending pictures to the brain.
  • Immanuel Kant (1724–1804) proposed philosophical idealism, arguing our perceptions are interpretations of the world based on sensory information combined with prior knowledge.
  • Idealism likens perception to a painting, an interpretation of what the brain believes the object looks like, rather than a direct copy.
  • Modern psychology supports idealism, viewing perception as an inference or the brain's best guess about external reality.

Empiricism and Nativism

  • Philosophical empiricism states that all knowledge is acquired through experience.
  • Locke believed newborns are a tabula rasa (blank slate), with experience writing the story of knowledge.
  • Philosophical nativism posits that some knowledge is innate, not acquired.
  • Kant argued that humans are born with basic knowledge (conceptions) to acquire additional knowledge.
  • Kant states that knowledge of concepts like space, time, and causality are preprogrammed.
  • Modern psychology leans towards nativism, acknowledging that while much is learned through experience, some knowledge is hard-wired.
  • Even newborns exhibit basic knowledge of physics and mathematics.
  • Psychologists explore "nature-versus-nurture" questions to determine what and how knowledge is pre-programmed at birth.

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Description

Explore the contrasting philosophies of realism and idealism, examining how we perceive the world. Delve into empiricism, the idea that knowledge comes from experience, versus nativism, which suggests some knowledge is innate. Understand the historical perspectives and modern interpretations of these concepts.

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