The Evidence of the Senses: A Realist Theory of Perception [Paperback]

David Kelley (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 262 pages
• Publisher: Louisiana State University Press (March 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0807114766
• ISBN-13: 978-0807114766
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #471,040 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for anyone interested in Epistemology., April 2, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: The Evidence of the Senses: A Realist Theory of Perception (Paperback)

Kelley's monograph is an original defense of realism in perception. He argues that perception is the discrimination of objects as entities, that this awareness is direct, and that this perception is a reliable foundation for empirical knowledge. Key to his argument is the distinction between object of perception and form of perception, a distinction not made by many others in the field. Kelley's work considers alternative views fairly, while arguing persuasively for his position. It also suggests a view of concept formation, an area that is all too often not dealt with properly by philosophers, if at all. This book is a must read for anyone interested in the philosophy of perception or epistemology more broadly! Bravo!

27 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A valuable book presenting a distinctive view., October 1, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Evidence of the Senses: A Realist Theory of Perception (Paperback)

Although Kelley gives credit to Ayn Rand where credit is due, he has written the academically respectable and collegial book that she could not. I read this book over a decade ago, and still keep it handy. Kelley's key distinction between object and form provides a remarkably useful tool for analysis of epistemic claims and counter-claims. In fact, it provides a radical reconstruction of basic epistemological categories. One need not adopt Kelley's theory to find his book valuable. I also recommend his article "A Theory of Abstraction" as a useful adjunct to this book.

At the same time, is must be recognized that Kelley has not written an introduction to theories of perception or epistemology. Reading this book is no substitute for the later. On the contrary, Kelley's book can be better appreciated with a prior familiarity with more traditional theories of perception. Carefully read, Kelley's book provides a thoughtful counterpoint to the standard theories.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fine and comprehensive exploration, November 1, 2010

By 

David M. Brown "David M. Brown" (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Evidence of the Senses: A Realist Theory of Perception (Paperback)

Kelley expertly weaves scientific and philosophical insight in his very clear and illuminating discussion of his own realist perspective and competing perspectives (such as the notion that we never perceive objects but only our representations of objects, or something).

Kelley's debt to philosopher Ayn Rand is acknowledged in the book, but contra the suggestion of another "reviewer" on this page, the book is not a "thinly disguised pitch" for Rand's views. Rand took the validity of the evidence of the senses for granted and in a certain respect, so does Kelley; they're on the same page there; but he explores the question and related issues and contentions much more thoroughly.

Some years ago, another reviewer, publishing in Reason Papers, made an opposite kind of complaint, that the book didn't spend more time on Randian ideas. Why so much about perception and epistemology? the reviewer wanted to know. Where's the theory of ethics, and so on? A very peculiar objection to a book written specifically to deal with matters pertaining to the evidence of the senses. It was as if a reviewer had slammed a book on plumbing for not also treating architecture and urban planning.