Epistemology; An Introduction to General Metaphysics Volume 2 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1917 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XVIII. External Reality Of All Sense Qualities Vindicated. "Hvperphysical Idealism And "Physical Realism ." 122. In Normal Conditions Of Perception This RelaTivity Is Compatible With External Reality Of Sense QUALITIES.--That all the sense qualities alike are extramental, that the proper sensibles no less than the cpmmon sensibles (i 15) are real characteristics of a domain of reality which exists independently of the perceiver's mind, a domain which he apprehends as "material reality" and distinguishes into two parts, viz. the "external universe" and "his own body or material organism," we consider to be as certain as the already established extramental existence of this material domain itself. Of this domain he becomes aware by becoming aware of the sense qualities. If these are not really in it and do not really characterize it, how can he be certain even of its extramental existence? And if they are not extramentally real how can they be in an extramental reality or characterize it or reveal it to him? But when they appear to him in actual perception as affecting the external ox extra-organic or non-self domain of reality, can he be sure that they are really in this domain notwithstanding the fact that for the specific determinations with which they are presented to his consciousness they are partially dependent on the subjective or self factor which is his own organism? The answer is that he can, provided that this organic, subjective or self factor is normal: and this he can determine with certitude by experience. He attributes the particular taste, or smell, or colour, or sound, or temperature, or texture and resistance, to the datum which he apprehends as external. He is right in doing so provided he knows, as he...