Sense Datum

What does one see? What can be said that any person interprets when they observe an entity? The problem of visual perception is a very largely debated topic in philosophy. How is it that you can see an object, can it truly be called sight? Such questions are answered through a myriad of theories such as the argument from hallucination, but namely, the idea of sense-datum is prevalent in the discussion. Sense-datum is a theory that visual perception is based on having a relation to an object or something in direct visual context, which creates an impression, or datum, which is metaphysical. The theory is very good in the case of illusion and hallucination where things such as a “misperception” can be perfectly valid as the sense-datum still …show more content…
The speckled hen raises the issue of data communication and transfer. When looking at a hen with a multitude of polka dot spots, it is impossible to count the actual number of spots, yet the spots exist. There is a definite number of spots, there is no way that the hen is creating or has an infinite number of spots. The issue is that even though there is a finite number of speckled positions, the sense-datum doesn’t convey the number of dots, creating a problematic situation. We can see the dots, we know that they exist, but being able to count the pips is an impossible proposition. Indiscernible distances brings up the issue of our perceptive abilities at differentiating objects of perception. An instance of this are the three lines: draw three lines of length m, m-n, m+n such that the lines increase in size by n where n is some infinitesimal value which visually is impossible to discern. In this case, comparing lines m-n and m visually would lead to the conclusion that the two lines are of the same length; the same holds true when comparing lines m and m+n. But, when comparing lines m-n and m+n, it is evident that the lines are of different lengths. Another description is showing three colors of varying hue; the difference between the shades is also some infinitesimal value, n, which is impossible to discern, and clearly the m-n and m+n shades are different, but the values which change just by n are …show more content…
Biologically speaking, what information from the sense-datum is important? As a biological species, we have survived and thrived on the model of the most fit adaptive traits to an environment will allow for a species to bring on the next generation. This is why we see common physical traits among species, as well as vestigial organs which have lost their functionality through evolution. An example of such a trait which has lost its functionality is the Auricular Tubercle, a “small inconstant projection from the upper end of the posterior portion of the incurved free margin of the helix of the auricle” (medilexicon) or more plainly, a bump or swelling in the top curve of the ear. This feature is present in monkeys and allows them greater mobility to move their ears, but the same trait in humans has been phased over many generations as it did not become important for