Discuss in relation to sense perception and knowledge in general Essay Example
Discuss in relation to sense perception and knowledge in general Essay Example

Discuss in relation to sense perception and knowledge in general Essay Example

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  • Pages: 3 (707 words)
  • Published: September 8, 2017
  • Type: Essay
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Our ability to perceive and interact with the world relies heavily on our senses of sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste. These senses are commonly regarded as our "windows of the world" [2] that form the foundation of how we comprehend our environment.

As per [3], the process of sense perception is an active, selective, and interpretive one that records or brings about awareness of the external world. This process aids us in gaining knowledge; however, distorted or corrupted senses can lead to false perceptions of reality. Goethe supported this argument. For instance, if our eyes were not adjusted to the sun's brightness, we would be unable to see it. The brain comprises two perception parts with distinct functions: the primary visual cortex receives images directly from the eye while the secondary visual cortex employs higher order functioning to comprehend visual images and i

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s significantly influenced by external factors beyond our control like societal norms.

The article emphasizes the significant impact that preconceived judgments can have on our perception. It suggests that "There is more to seeing than meets the eye," which applies to all sensory forms, such as auditory, visual, touch, taste and smell. Nonetheless, it's crucial to acknowledge that perception isn't entirely dependent on the senses since biases and assumptions are widespread in modern society towards both others and our own thoughts. While humans rely on sense organs for stimulation from different energies present in the world around us, other animals experience this differently.

While humans are more likely to sacrifice their hearing than their sight, dogs prioritize their sense of smell above all else. However, cultural upbringing, language, and societal norms can cause humans

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to assume that others perceive objects in the same way. Despite this, personal experiences play a crucial role in perception and allow individuals to see beyond surface-level differences. For example, certain cultures view maintaining eye contact as impolite while others consider it courteous - highlighting how education and upbringing shape our perspective.

Although a tadpole may appear as just a tadpole to a builder, a biologist would be able to recognize the tadpole's structure, life cycle, and characteristics, displaying the idea that perception goes beyond what can be visually seen. This illustrates how sight allows us to perceive more than what initially meets the eye, but it is not the only sense that permits this. Auditory perception is equally important, as it allows one to hear and comprehend a point being made even if they cannot visually see or understand the argument being presented.

Moreover, touch, smell, and taste are equally crucial senses for gaining a comprehensive understanding that goes beyond what meets the eye. This applies specifically to science. While observing a chemical reaction, a scientist might not fully comprehend it without utilizing tactile, olfactory and gustatory senses. By touching the experiment, the scientist can distinguish between exothermic or endothermic reaction. Smelling the substance enables the identification of pungent gas or possibly a noble gas. In rare cases, tasting can help determine its physical state.

The given example demonstrates that sense perception reveals more than what is visible at first glance. However, it is worth noting that relying solely on our senses may not provide an accurate depiction, as illusions, hallucinations, personal biases, and perspectives can distort our perception. For instance, a person stranded in the desert

may mistakenly perceive an oasis.

The perception of humans is not solely based on external input, but also influenced by their attention and surroundings. This indicates that the way we "see" things differs from one individual to another, depending on their environment and preceding factors. Perceptual distortions and hallucinations are common consequences of distorted perception. These occurrences demonstrate that cognitive processing and interpretation play a vital role in perception. Our ability to comprehend our surroundings using the five senses of sight, smell, hear, touch and taste highlights the complexity of perception beyond the obvious. The metaphorical use of "see" and "eye" emphasizes how perception leads to understanding. Past experiences, society and cultural backgrounds shape our perception and enable us to see things differently from others observing the same object.

According to C. W. Leadbeater, the idea that our perception is limited to everything there is to perceive is a common mistake.[4]

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