Is Epicurus a Direct Realist?

Bridger Ehli

doi:10.7710/2155-4838.1166

Abstract

In his Letter to Herodotus, Epicurus presents a controversial theory of perception according to which all perceptions are true. In this paper, I argue that Epicurus' theory of perception should be interpreted as a version of direct realism. If this interpretation is correct, then Epicurus holds that typical human perceivers have direct perceptual awareness of mind-independent objects. In the first section, I present an interpretation of Epicurus' theory of perception. I interpret Epicurus as subscribing to the view according to which our perceptions always provide us with entirely accurate information about the world. In the second section, I provide an outline of a version of direct realism. The version of direct realism I present here is strongly indebted to the work of Michael Huemer. In the third section, using the framework developed in the second section, I argue that Epicurus should be interpreted as a direct realist.

Highlights

According to direct realism, typical human perceivers have direct perceptual awareness of mind-independent objects
In his Letter to Herodotus, Epicurus presents a controversial theory of perception according to which "all perceptions are true." In this paper, I argue that Epicurus' theory of perception should be interpreted as a version of direct realism
My argument can be stated as follows: P1: If one holds (a) that we are perceptually aware of mind-independent objects and (b) that our perceptual awareness of such objects is direct, one holds direct realism. [Definition of Direct Realism]

Summary

Introduction

Typical human perceivers have direct perceptual awareness of mind-independent objects. Epicurus holds that the streams of atoms that emanate from objects are the causes of our perceptions. According to the present interpretation, Epicurus holds that perceptions are representational mental states: they are mental states that “report” that the world is a certain way.[9] Perceptions occur when eidola impact one’s soul.[10] For Epicurus, the soul is constituted by atoms distributed throughout the body.[11] perceptions are caused by the atoms of eidola coming into contact with the atoms of the soul. Suppose a stream of eidola emanate from a chair When those eidola impact one’s soul, the resulting perception will report that the chair is exactly as the eidola represent it as being. On the present interpretation, Epicurus holds that eidola accurately represent their objects.

Direct Realism

Epicurus and Direct Realism

Conclusion