In addition, our senses are also physically imperfect. Some people require the use of glasses or contacts to see clearly. Even though one has sharp eyesight, their vision is still imperfect. We perceive what we are seeing that what we are seeing is complete and whole because our brains ability to process and define images. However, this is flawed as our senses can still be easily tricked into believing things that are impossible such as optical illusions and magic tricks.
An example to illustrate this point is that one of the experiments we are required to do for IB biology is to observe a thin layer of onion skin under a microscope. The layer of onion I saw underneath the microscope was completely different from any layer of onion I had ever previously seen with the naked eye: hundreds of prism-shaped cells lined up in rows, each cell with its own nucleus. One could argue that I was now closer to the truth than I had been before.
Through visual perception, I believe that it presents a greater dimension in understanding the appearance and nature of the onion. However, other people who performed the same experiment might be presented with a different description of the onion layer. The counter argument is that within the natural sciences (particularly biology) the structure of the subject acknowledges that our senses may distort the final results of experiments. A significant fact is the use of reading error to compensate in areas where our visual sensation is absent. Without the inclusion of reading error and uncertainty values where appropriate, the experiment is considered to be less accurate.
An interesting concept to consider is that perhaps our senses are designed for survival purposes rather than having been developed to perceive the truth. This would prove compatible if we compare our senses with that of other living creatures. Birds of prey such as eagles have more superior eyesight than humans, which allows them to hunt tiny and sometimes camouflaged prey. This example demonstrates the limitations of our senses even if a person has fully functional sensory organs and questions the ability of our senses to provide us with truth given that they are inferior compared to some animals. This relates back to my onion layer example in which it might be difficult for us to have similar visualizations of their perception of the world based on our different sense experiences.
Also what exactly is the definition of truth? Is there only one “truth”? Or does everyone have their own truth? If there really is just one truth then I think it means that is uniquely shared by all things, by all observers. That suggests some kind of universal connection, which in turn opens up more questions. Is that God? Or a collective consciousness of some sorts?
Another problem with relying on our senses is that there is a consciousness and personality that is interpreting that sensory stimulation. It is said, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” If people can't even agree on beauty how can they agree on truth?
What is it exactly that perceives things? It is the consciousness or is it the mind. What is the mind? It is a collection of energy, constantly firing, constantly interpreting. It produces a personality. If you concentrate, you can observe your own on mind, your own thoughts. Is that the mind observing itself, or is there something beyond the mind? The reality outside of our minds is a possible definition of truth. Our senses provide the only link between our mind and reality.
Although acceptable in some circumstances that we can always trust our senses to obtain the truth, perhaps an equally strong argument is that we shouldn’t. Rather, the essence of truth originates from pure reason, which is deductive and logical. I would agree that we need both sense perception and reason to fully comprehend the true nature of things.
I believe that our sensory perception is important in obtaining the truth although given the fact that we should be completely aware of the capabilities and limitations of our sensory organs. However, there are certain circumstances for which our interpretation of raw sensory data is inaccurate. Although we cannot always trust our senses to give us truth, sense perception is a medium for which we can conceive the true nature of things that are perceivable by us.
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References:
Books:
Dombrowski E., Rotenberg L., Bick M.,2007. Theory of knowledge course companion. Great Clarendon Street, Oxford OX2 6DP: Oxford University Press
Websites:
SparkNotes: Essay Concerning Human Understanding: Important Terms. 2012. SparkNotes: Essay Concerning Human Understanding: Important Terms. [ONLINE] Available at: . [Accessed 13 February 2012].
Descartes' Meditations Home Page. 2012. Descartes' Meditations Home Page. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.wright.edu/cola/descartes/meditation1.html. [Accessed 13 February 2012]
A Level Philosophy | Knowledge of the External World. 2012. A Level Philosophy | Knowledge of the External World. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.alevelphilosophy.com/unit-2/knowledge-of-the-external-world.html. [Accessed 13 February 2012].
