Chapter 5
Realism : Naive and Scientific
(a) Answer the following questions:
1. 1. What is simple realism? Write down the general characteristics of simple realism.
Answer : According to simple realism, the true nature of the object is the way the knower perceives it. All kinds of qualities in external objects have mind-neutral existence.
The characteristics of simple realism are as follows:
(a) The content of knowledge is independent of the mind of the knower. It does not depend on whether the knower knows whether an external object exists or not. An object exists in the same way whether we know it or not.
(b) There is an external world outside the mind.
(c) There is a direct relationship between the knower and the knowable. There is no third or middle ground between the two.
(d) External objects create sensations in our mind. This sensation is not the same for everyone.
(e) We acquire knowledge of the external world through direct perception. The way the direct sees the external world is what it is.
(f) Knowledge of the content of the external world is known by its qualities. Properties are properties of objects. The various properties of objects, such as 一 form, taste, smell, extent, etc., are all independent of the mind.
2. 2. What is scientific realism? What are its characteristics?
Answer : According to scientific realism, there is an independent world outside the mind. We cannot directly know the content of knowledge. We can only know through its counterparts.
The characteristics of scientific realism are as follows:
(a) According to scientific realism, the content of our knowledge is independent of the mind of the knower. Of course, this characteristic is characteristic of all realists.
(b) According to scientific realism, we cannot see an object. The knower sees it only if it is copied or copied.
(c) Knowledge is a completely independent process. This process does not affect the true nature of the object. This process only affects copying or duplication of objects.
(d) Only the main qualities can reveal the true nature of an object. This is because major properties are material properties of objects and are immutable.
(e) According to scientific realism, knowledge is an indirect process. Knowledge is indirect because the knower cannot know the content of knowledge. can only know its copy or suffix.
3. 3. Distinguish between major qualities and secondary qualities.
The differences between primary and secondary qualities are as follows :
(i) Qualities which are independent of the mind , i.e., not dependent on the mind of the knower, or which are the material properties of an object are called principal qualities.
On the other hand, qualities that are not independent of the mind, ie dependent on the mind of the knower, or qualities that are the mental properties of an object are called secondary qualities.
(ii) Major properties are immutable properties. The main qualities remain the same even if the place or time changes.
On the other hand, secondary qualities are some variable qualities. Secondary qualities may vary from place to place or from person to person.
(iii) External objects are the real shelter or basis of the main qualities.
On the other hand, both external objects and the mind of the knower are the shelter or basis of secondary qualities.
(iv) The chief qualities accurately reflect the perception of the mind of the knower. This is because the main qualities are real qualities and are not distorted in any way.
On the other hand, since the secondary quality does not have its own nature, it is reflected differently with the perception of the knower's mind. Secondary qualities are sensations created by the primary qualities.
4. The Is Lockean scientific realism a satisfactory formula?
Answer: - Yes.
(b) Write a brief:
(a) Simple or mundane realism
Answer : Simple or secular realism, the simplest form of realism. As a form of realism, its main point is that the content of knowledge is independent of the mind of the knower.
The name simple realism was first used by the philosopher Durant Drake in his "Invitation to Philosophy" The main point of simple realism is that all the properties of external objects such as form, taste, smell, extent, volume, length, etc. have a mind-neutral independent existence. This is called simple realism.
Simple realism explains the way people, that is, ordinary people, think about the existence of an object. That is why the philosopher Sellers called it secular realism or natural realism.
(b) Main properties
Answer : Qualities which are independent of the mind, thatis, which do not depend on the mind of the knower, or which are the material properties of an object are called main qualities. such as 一 size, weight, extent, quantity, etc. of the object. The main properties are the basic or real properties of things. The major qualities are entirely material and are inevitable properties of matter. The main qualities are immutable qualities. The main qualities remain the same even if the place or time changes. For example, the shape, extent, etc. of an object remain unchanged at all times. External objects are the true shelter or basis of the main qualities. The main qualities accurately reflect the perception of the knower's mind. This is because the main qualities are real qualities and are not distorted in any way.
(c) Secondary properties
Answer : Secondary qualities are those qualities which are not independent of the mind, iedependent on the mind of the knower or which are the mental properties of an object. such as the size, weight, extent, quantity, etc. of the object. Secondary properties are some variable properties. Secondary qualities may vary from place to place or from person to person. For example, appearance, taste, smell, etc. change from person to person or from place to place. Both external objects and the mind of the knower are the shelter or basis of secondary qualities. Since the secondary quality does not have its own nature, it is reflected differently with the perception of the knower's mind. Secondary qualities are sensations created by the primary qualities.
(d) John Locke’s symbolism
Answer : John Locke's realism is known by different names such as scientific realism or symbolism. Scientific realism or symbolism was born by discussing the shortcomings of simple realism.
According to scientific realism or symbolism, we cannot know an object directly. We can know an object only through its counterparts or representatives. The mindfulness of Locke's secondary qualities gives his philosophy a prophetic tendency.
(c) Write the differences:
(a) Of simple and scientific realism
The differences between simple realism and scientific realism are mentioned below
(i) According to simple realism, the true nature of the object is the way the knower perceives it. All kinds of qualities in external objects have mind-neutral existence.
On the other hand, according to scientific realism, an independent world exists outside the mind. We cannot directly know the content of knowledge. We can only know through its counterparts.
