1. What is meant by the term direct realism? (3 marks)
Direct realism is a theory of perception that states that objects exist mind-independently (1 mark), they have specific properties such as size and colour (1 mark) and we perceive these objects and their properties directly (1 mark).

2. Lesson Objective
To identify weaknesses in essay writing and improve them.
To summarise and recap the direct realism topic.

3. Understanding Key Arguments
Problem: When marking your essays there were a few things responsible for a large loss of marks.
Not explaining a key argument correctly.
Not understanding whether a key argument is in support or in opposition to direct realism.
Not properly explaining responses.
Not explaining why responses to these key arguments are responses.
Solution: Careful recap of the direct realism topic, including the key arguments and responses.

4. Task – Direct Realism Recap
Fill in the definition of direct realism at the top of the sheet. It should be clear, concise and include any key information necessary for the theory to be discussed.
Summarise the two main reasons people support Direct Realism.
For each argument against DR, give an example.
For each argument against DR, carefully explain why it is a problem.
Check each others work, ensuring that what is written makes sense and includes all necessary information.

5. Illusion Perceptual Variation Hallucination Time-Lag
Example
Explanation
Illusion
Perceptual Variation
Hallucination
Time-Lag

6. Task – Direct Realism Recap
Use the textbooks, your notes and the help of your peers to fill in a response to each of the criticisms from the philosophical direct realists.
Make sure you explain carefully why it is a response by linking it to your original argument / example.
Check each others work, ensuring that what is written makes sense and includes all necessary information.

7. PDR Response
Illusion
Perceptual Variation
Hallucination
Time-Lag

8. Task – Conclusion
Using the arguments and responses you’ve outlined, bullet point a conclusion at the bottom of your page.
Identify which arguments you think are strong / weak with a simple reason.
State whether overall you think this means that direct realism is true or false.

9. Task – Conclusion

10. Essays – Understanding Feedback
Read through the feedback on your essays, use the key sheet in your booklets to identify what is being said, where and why. (Add Ex to your code for “Add example(s)”)
At the end of your essay write down any comments you think you may need to remember in future. Think carefully about what mistakes you made in this essay.
Copy this information into your booklet in the first “assessments” section. DO NOT add any more than three points to feedback.

11. Exam Title
Feedback
Topic:
Question(s):
Mark/Grade:

12. Essays – A Few Things…
Clarity – We’ve already covered this, but use examples to help outline your arguments! You should also be clearly identifying whether an argument is in support or opposition to the question. Language – Be careful using strong language “We must accept this…” “This disproves the theory…” unless you can back it up with reasons and evidence. 1st Person – Try to avoid first person if possible, “This essay will…” sounds better than “I will…” Answer the question - Make sure your conclusion ultimately answers the question as asked, too many people concluded with “DR is therefore false/true” rather than “We do/do not directly perceive objects.”

13. D.I.R.T – Dedicated Improvement and Reflection Time
Get a pen of a different colour to the one in which your essay was written (preferably green if you have one).
Use the feedback and information given this lesson to write another 1-2 paragraphs that would improve your essay. This could be:
Another line of argument entirely.
A better conclusion.
An addition to something you’ve already written.
Use a * to mark where it would fit in in your essay.
Once completed, get the person next to you to read the section you’ve added, does it make sense? Is it an improvement?

14. Homework
Due to the addition of this lesson, I am postponing the checking of homework until Monday. Those of you that have already done it you have a free weekend, those of you that have not please get it done for Monday.
Find out about the distinction philosophers (particularly John Locke) make between the PRIMARY AND SECONDARY QUALITIES of objects.
What are primary qualities?
What are secondary qualities?
Why do philosophers distinguish between the two?
Give at least 2 examples for each.
Extension: Do you think Locke (and other philosophers) are right to make this distinction?

15. Lesson Summary
To identify weaknesses in essay writing and improve them.
To summarise and recap the direct realism topic.