Varieties of Perception - PHI00113M

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Module summary

In this module you will explore puzzles and problems that arise when we think about perception in all its varieties. These varieties of perception include non-visual perception, the perception of absence, and ‘high-level’ perception.

Module will run

Occurrence	Teaching period
A	Semester 1 2025-26

Module aims

• To explore some ongoing debates about a variety of forms of perception, and develop a detailed understanding of these debates.

• To develop the following skills:

  • Working your way to an understanding of challenging philosophical material in an autonomous way

  • Evaluating ideas and arguments methodically and in detail

  • Discussing module material with others, working together to understand and critically evaluate ideas and arguments

  • Developing your own view on a puzzle or problem and assembling a detailed, reasoned case for that view

  • Independent research skills

  • Making connections amongst a range of interrelated debates

Module learning outcomes

By the end of this module students should be able to:

• Understand some puzzles, problems, and theories in the philosophy of perception and explain those in clear and precise terms, showing critical awareness and an ability to synthesize information and ideas from a variety of sources

• Develop and articulate detailed arguments for and against particular theories in the philosophy of perception

• Make a measured judgement about which are the most plausible answers to some questions in the philosophy of perception, based on a careful consideration of the arguments, and make a sustained and detailed case for that judgement

• Be able to read and critically engage with contemporary work on the philosophy of perception in an autonomous way

• Have further developed their skills in philosophical discussion and writing

• Be able to prepare an extended essay that goes beyond the core framework that is provided by seminar readings and discussions, and which shows independence and critical reflection in the development of arguments

Module content

Indicative topics include:

• How are the senses distinguished from one another?

• Do we only hear sounds, or can we also hear the things that make sounds?

• Could someone born blind and made to see recognise shapes by sight?

• What, if anything, do experiences of smelling represent?

• Can we perceive absences, such as silences, regions of empty space, or darkness?

• Do we only perceive ‘low-level’ properties such as colour and loudness, or can we also perceive ‘high level’ properties such as aesthetic or even moral properties?

Indicative assessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	100.0

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	100.0

Module feedback

All formative and summative feedback will be returned in accordance with University and Departmental policy.

Indicative reading

Batty, Clare (2010). A representational account of olfactory experience. Canadian Journal of Philosophy 40 (4):511-538.

Evans, Gareth (1985). Molyneux's question. In Collected Papers. New York: Oxford University Press.

Nudds, Matthew (2004). The significance of the senses. Proceedings of the Aristotelian Society 104 (1):31-51.

O'Callaghan, Casey (2007). Sounds: A Philosophical Theory. New York: Oxford University Press.

Siegel, Susanna (2006). Which properties are represented in perception. In Tamar Szabo Gendler & John Hawthorne, Perceptual Experience. New York: Oxford University Press. pp. 481-503.

Sorensen, Roy (2008). Seeing Dark Things: The Philosophy of Shadows. New York: Oxford University Press.