Thursday, January 27, 2011

Knowledge

If knowledge is truth I simply cannot accept that it is perception alone. Perception is so often subjective that it cannot be the unique representation of the absolute truth. I do not disagree that it is an integral part of what knowledge is. Knowledge cannot be absolutely impartial; its foundation has to include the personal outlook that perception provides. Nevertheless knowledge solely base on our views is not factual enough to be truth because it is inconsistent and personal. Perception allow too much of a margin for error. I personally believe in order for knowledge to be viewed as truth learning, experience, and reasoning should be included in its definition. Learning of course can be attributed to perception and experience as well. Reasoning however I believe give perception more substance. Reason implies the use of logic which I don’t think perception often applies. Reason allows knowledge to be more than personal because it forces us to analyze our perceptions but the things independent of ourselves as well.
I do have a question regarding knowledge being perception. Protagoras endorses the idea that “what appears is to each one” and from that statement “knowledge is perception” was defined. Socrates however said this particular statement “neither can by myself, have this sensation, nor the object by itself, this quality” doesn’t this statement itself implies that perception itself is not only thing knowledge is base on? Or am I taking the sentence out of context?

2 comments:

  1. I agree with you about the fact that perception is so subjective and that it cannot be a unique representation of the truth. Also, I think that you were right on about knowledge needing experience and reasoning. Seems as though all of those things are needed in order to have true knowledge of things.

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  2. These are all great observations...

    The last reading of Theatetus will take up all of these issues :)

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