The Metaphysics of Perception: Wilfrid Sellars, Perceptual Consciousness, and Critical Realism

Abstract

A defence of the Causal Theory of Perception, defending and extending original insights deriving from Wilfrid Sellars and the american Critical Realists. The work defends a dual component theory of experience, arguing that perceptual experiences are inner states. Criticisms are made of different versions of Direct Realism, or Disjunctivism. It is shown that perception is essentially connected with action, in a manner that supports the view that scientific, common-sense, and philosophical conceptions of perception are continuous with one another. Further chapters deal with the role of demonstrative reference in perception, the alleged transparency of experience, and the importance of the imagination in experience.