Argument From Illusion

Argument From Illusion

This idea of perception offering an illusionary reality has been explored in philosophy through 'The Argument From Illusion'. This is almost a scientific approach as it alludes to our perception through 'sense data' - So we measure reality through our senses. The sense data theory was held by many 20th century philosophers - most notably Bertrand Russell and A.J Ayer. 

This is demonstrated through the analogy of refraction:

- When we view a stick that is half submerged in water we can see that the light causes it to refract, which makes it appear bent - HOWEVER we are aware that this is only an illusion. 

- When we take the stick out of the water we see that it is straight again - But how do we know this is reality?

-  The argument from illusion suggests that because human perception can be so easily manipulated it is impossible to tell reality from illusion. 

Many ancient philosophers have pondered on the premise of reality and illusion, including Plato.

 In his theory of the forms, philosopher, Plato suggested that what we experience in the 'physical world' is a shadow of what exists in the 'realm of forms'. The realm of forms is an external reality where every form of existence is infinite although it can only perceived after death. Plato goes on to explain that objects in the physical world can never be perfect as they are susceptible to change, he explains this through his 'allegory of the cave' which suggests that we are 'conditioned' to interpret our environment as true reality when this may not be the case.

'Plato's Cave':A Painting by Ken Stout (2007)

Imagery	Meaning
1.    There are three prisoners who have lived in a cave all their lives.	This represents human beings in the universe.
2.    They do not know about life outside of the cave and can only see shadows on the cave walls.	This represents our limited senses.
3.    These shadows are projected by  fire that burns behind them.	This represents 'projections' of the mind. Almost as if the fire is the 'cause' and the Shadow is the 'effect'.
4.    One day one of the prisoners manages to escape the cave.	This represents death or escape from the 'physical world' to the 'realm of forms' where everything is infinite and perfect.
5.    The escaped prisoner finally realises that he has been fooled, and is blinded by the sun.	This represents 'enlightenment of knowledge'.
6.    The escaped prisoner goes back to tell the others however they do not believe him.	This represents the limited senses of those who have not been 'enlightened'.

(Source(s): http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/sense-data/)