1. Sense Perception as a Way of Knowing
A fool sees not the same tree that the wise man sees. – William Blake

2. Video Evidence
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3. Exercise in Self Assessment
Follow instructions to take a picture of your left hand.

4. Introduction Perception Awareness through our five sense
Discussion: Which would you be most willing to give up?
Think about popular sayings
I see what you mean
We have insight
Smell – the mute sense
Empiricism
All knowledge is based on perceptual experience
Common-sense realism
Opposite of empiricism really, perception not really as active as concepts

5. Teacher Quiz
What?

6. Theory of Knowledge Connections
Which areas of knowledge require the most sense perception? Which require none at all?

7. Perceptual Illusions Two distinct elements involved
Sensation, provided by the world
Interpretation, provided by our minds
Good way of becoming aware of our own interpretation
Factors
Context
Figure and ground
Visual Grouping
Expectations

27. Role of the Unconscious
Many of the interpretations we make come from this level
Brains will correct images
Always filling gaps
Head in the mirror in the morning
Some people suffer from visual agnosia
People lose the ability to interpret what they see

28. Selectivity of Perception
Our minds would overload if we were consciously aware of everything
Only notice that in our perceptual field
Certain aspects “stand out” and the rest fade away
Intensity and contrast the most important factors
Interest and mood also a consideration
Glass half-full versus half-empty
Consider relationships, how you feel at the beginning and how you feel at the end
At what times do you see the world with the most clarity and objectivity? The least?

29. Drawing with Perspective
Child dying – doctor, economist, social worker, child’s father
Sunset – religious figure, physicist, painter, farmer
Tree – biologist, a logger, environmentalist, a native American

30. Seminar Activity
Ask another student… “How do you feel about…” or “Do you like…” or “Do you see…”
Answer the question and then come up with another for a different student

31. Discussion Questions How does education affect what we perceive?
To what extent has culture determined the way you see the world?
Describe a time when you knew perspective was influencing your views or decisions.