Direct Realism Understand the Direct Realists Argument Explain how a Direct Realist would respond to the problem of perception. How could we respond to this solution?

What is it to perceive something? ‘the ability to see, hear, or become aware of something through the senses’ What does this mean? List 5 things that you perceive and with what senses.

Problem of Perception So what is it that you are actually perceiving?

Direct Realist’s Response We are perceiving the physical object. These objects exist independent of our experience: They existed before our minds and will continue to exist when they are not being perceived by something. What you see is what you get! We perceive physical objects and their properties – size, shape, colour, smell, taste, texture. How does a direct realist perceive an apple? LO: 1

Direct Realism: The External World So the external world exists! It exists independently of our Mind! They are ‘Mind Independent’ LO: 1

Problem of Perception Explain how a direct realist sees the world. (5) Use your exam study guide to give you a hint on how to answer the question. What is the problem of perception? (5) LO: 2

Possible ways of Criticising In pairs discuss ways that you may criticise this idea of Direct Realism. Try to write them down in premise form. Identify which of your premises are weak. How can you strengthen those premises. Now explain your argument to another group and critically appraise each others. LO: 3