Critical realism (philosophy of perception)

Critical realism in the philosophy of perception is a theoretical framework that seeks to provide an account of perception that goes beyond both naive realism and direct realism. It was primarily developed by philosopher Roy Wood Sellars in the mid-20th century as a response to the challenges posed by perceptual experience and the nature of the external world.

Key principles and characteristics of critical realism in the philosophy of perception include:

1. Direct Realism Critique: Critical realism challenges the idea of direct realism, which suggests that we perceive the external world exactly as it is, without any mediation or interpretation. Instead, critical realists argue that our perception is influenced by various cognitive and neural processes, which can introduce biases and limitations.
2. Theory-Dependent Perception: According to critical realism, our perception is not just a passive recording of sensory data but is influenced by our background knowledge, beliefs, and theoretical frameworks. This theory-dependent nature of perception means that we interpret sensory input based on our existing conceptual frameworks.
3. Inference and Hypothesis: Critical realists propose that perception involves inference and hypothesis testing. When we encounter sensory data, we use our background knowledge and theories to make educated guesses or hypotheses about the external world.
4. Fallibilism: Critical realism embraces fallibilism, which is the idea that our beliefs and perceptions can be tentative and subject to revision in light of new evidence or information. It acknowledges that our understanding of the world is open to improvement and refinement.
5. Causation and Underdetermination: Critical realism recognizes that perceptual experiences are underdetermined by sensory input alone. Multiple interpretations of sensory data can be consistent with the same perceptual experience, leading to diverse interpretations of the external world.
6. Perceptual Learning: Critical realism highlights the role of perceptual learning and adaptation in shaping our perceptual experiences. As we interact with the environment and gain new experiences, our perception can change and become more refined.
7. Emergence of Qualities: Critical realism recognizes that some perceived qualities, such as color and taste, are emergent properties that arise from complex interactions between the external world and our perceptual and cognitive processes.

Overall, critical realism in the philosophy of perception seeks to provide a more nuanced and sophisticated understanding of how we perceive the world, acknowledging the role of cognitive processes, background knowledge, and interpretation in shaping our perceptual experiences. It encourages a deeper exploration of the relationship between perception, cognition, and the external reality we encounter.