Other Minds & the External World

On the one hand, our sensory experiences are the only way we have to interact with the world around us. Without our senses, we would not be able to know anything about the world.

On the other hand, we know that our senses can be deceived. So, how can we be sure that our sensory experiences are accurate?

One way to increase the accuracy of our sensory experiences is to use multiple senses to perceive the same thing. For example, if we see something that looks like a snake, we can also reach out and touch it to make sure.

Another way to increase the accuracy of our sensory experiences is to be aware of the factors that can influence our perception. For example, if we are feeling afraid, we should be aware that this may be affecting our perception of the world around us.

Ultimately, whether or not we choose to believe our sensory experiences is a personal decision. There is no right or wrong answer. However, it is important to be aware of the limitations of our senses and to take steps to increase the accuracy of our perceptions.

If the answer to the question "Do we actually have any reason(s) to believe that our sensory experiences are 'as they seem'?" is "no," then this means that we cannot be sure of anything. We cannot be sure that the world around us is real or that we exist at all.

However, most people do choose to believe their sensory experiences, even though they know that they can be deceived. This is because our sensory experiences are all we have. Without them, we would be unable to live our lives.

So, what does it mean if we cannot be sure of our sensory experiences? It means that we should be open-minded and willing to consider new possibilities. It also means that we should be humble and recognize that we may not know everything.

Based on the readings from Chapter 6 in our textbook, I can say that my sensory experiences are not always to be believed. This is because our senses are not perfect and can be deceived. For example, we may see optical illusions or hear things that are not really there. Additionally, our sensory experiences can be influenced by our emotions, our expectations, and our prior experiences.

For example, if we are afraid of something, we may see it as more dangerous than it actually is. Or, if we are expecting to see something, we may see it even if it is not really there.

So, do we actually have any reason(s) to believe that our sensory experiences are 'as they seem'? The answer is... it's complicated.