Universally, society agrees that the sky is blue, however, how do we know that the color we recognize as blue isn’t the same color that another identifies as green? When a group of children are asked what his or her favorite color is, it is very unlikely that each student will simultaneously agree that their favorite color is red. Thus, we would reasonably conclude that each student’s favorite color varies because every man has different preferences. However, it is possible that each student’s favorite color is that very shade of red and rather the students do not realize it because they associate this shade with another name. This concept can be applied to every aspect of human experience; taste, smells, shapes, perceptions of beauty and ugliness etc. One individual might consider a circle to be the same shape that another believes is a square. Descartes says that we can all agree that there is no such thing as a circular square, but really, how do we know?
Decartes chooses a piece of wax to be examined because it is universally familiar and understood. He uses the wax as an example to show that physical things can be understood by inspecting them with the mind rather than relying solely on the senses. Decartes argues that when we see a piece of wax, its color, figure, [and] size, are apparent (to the sight),” and is “hard and cold” to the touch (85). He presumes that everyone perceives this piece of wax the same way.
Descartes suspicion that our creator has designed us in a way that we are constantly misled would support this notion that the understanding on the external world is unique to each man. All things must be doubted, even the most elementary concepts if our senses can not be trusted. Perhaps an evil genius is manipulating our minds and to each, really is his own.
-Leann
These set of pictures show how colors might be perceived differently by different people.
I would agree that it is most likely that our perceptions have slight differentiations between each person, but I think that Descartes would agree with this as well. The main point he seems to be making about perceptions is that we will all look at a color and call it blue. Whether blue looks unique to us isn't really the point, because when we look at the reflection of light we all recognize it as the same color. It is much the same with a circle are square. I would agree with Descartes that there are certain principles that are universal in geometry and mathematics, because it would just cause way too much chaos to deny this. However, it is good to recognize that perceptions are unique to each person, and it would be interesting to be able to see through the eyes of another.
ReplyDeleteI agree that people may view things differently than other, but I also believe all people have a "instinctive" understanding of the world around them. Descartes has a great point that many objects around us have certain definable features that make them understood by all. We may rely on our knowledge of the mathematical and geometrical properties made known to us. Mathematics is a language spoken by all civilizations which also helps man understand the tangible world around him. I believe also that man shouldn't make assumptions and look into the essential and accidental properties of the world. I think two individuals, who see the world differently, can come to the same conclusion about something if they have a true understanding of the essential properties.
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