Philosophy paper

Task:

In your paper I would like you to discuss and evaluate the following thesis about visual perception:

  • (SD) Whenever one has a visual experience (of, say, a cat), what one sees directly or immediately is a cat-like sense datum, and not a cat. 

Specifically, drawing on Chapter III of JL Austin’s Sense and Sensibilia (file: Preview the document), your essay should do the following three things:

  • Carefully, and in your own words, present one version of the “Argument from Illusion” for (SD) that Austin discusses. 
  • Carefully, and in your own words, present Austin’s response to that argument. 
  • Discuss which argument is superior: the Argument from Illusion, or Austin’s response. 

Specs:

  • Your paper should be 800-1000 words.
  • You do not need to include a bibliography; simply reference page numbers where appropriate. 
  • Your paper will be marked according to this . 
  • See Jim Pryor’s if you aren’t sure how to begin. (It is a good idea for everyone to read these Guidelines!) (Guideline: http://www.jimpryor.net/teaching/guidelines/writing.html)