Sense Perception as a Way of Knowing A fool sees not the same tree that the wise man sees. – William Blake

Video Evidence https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBPG_ OBgTWg

Exercise in Self Assessment Follow instructions to take a picture of your left hand.

Introduction Perception Awareness through our five sense Discussion: Which would you be most willing to give up? Think about popular sayings I see what you mean We have insight Smell – the mute sense Empiricism All knowledge is based on perceptual experience Common-sense realism Opposite of empiricism really, perception not really as active as concepts

Teacher Quiz What?

Theory of Knowledge Connections Which areas of knowledge require the most sense perception? Which require none at all?

Perceptual Illusions Two distinct elements involved Sensation, provided by the world Interpretation, provided by our minds Good way of becoming aware of our own interpretation Factors Context Figure and ground Visual Grouping Expectations

Role of the Unconscious Many of the interpretations we make come from this level Brains will correct images Always filling gaps Head in the mirror in the morning Some people suffer from visual agnosia People lose the ability to interpret what they see

Selectivity of Perception Our minds would overload if we were consciously aware of everything Only notice that in our perceptual field Certain aspects “stand out” and the rest fade away Intensity and contrast the most important factors Interest and mood also a consideration Glass half-full versus half-empty Consider relationships, how you feel at the beginning and how you feel at the end At what times do you see the world with the most clarity and objectivity? The least?

Drawing with Perspective Child dying – doctor, economist, social worker, child’s father Sunset – religious figure, physicist, painter, farmer Tree – biologist, a logger, environmentalist, a native American

Seminar Activity Ask another student… “How do you feel about…” or “Do you like…” or “Do you see…” Answer the question and then come up with another for a different student

Discussion Questions How does education affect what we perceive? To what extent has culture determined the way you see the world? Describe a time when you knew perspective was influencing your views or decisions.