The following text discusses philosophy of perception.
Direct realism holds that we perceive the external world immediately, without intermediary mental representations. Representationalism counters that perception involves internal mental states representing external objects. Phenomenological accounts emphasize the intentional structure of consciousness directed toward objects. Each framework captures aspects of perceptual experience while facing characteristically different explanatory challenges.
What is the main purpose of the text?
To survey competing accounts of perception and note their limitations
To prove that direct realism is the correct theory of perception
To provide neuroscientific data about visual processing
To trace the historical origins of perceptual psychology
Correct Answer: A
Choice A is the best answer. The text surveys three frameworks (direct realism, representationalism, phenomenology) and notes each faces characteristically different challenges.
- Evidence: The text surveys: "Direct realism holds..." "Representationalism counters..." "Phenomenological accounts emphasize..." It concludes: "Each framework captures aspects... while facing characteristically different explanatory challenges."
- Reasoning: The passage provides a high-level overview of competing theories in a field and notes they all have problems.
- Conclusion: The purpose is to survey accounts and note limitations.
💡 Strategy: Summarize: Theory 1, Theory 2, Theory 3. All have issues.
Choice B is incorrect because no theory is proven correct. Choice C is incorrect because neuroscience isn't discussed. Choice D is incorrect because historical origins aren't traced.