The Evidence of the Senses: A Realist Theory of Perception (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 262 pages
• Publisher: Louisiana State University Press (March 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0807114766
• ISBN-13: 978-0807114766
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #936,504 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 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

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!

19 of 21 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

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.

9 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A cogent defense of realism, April 24, 1998

By	Paul Carr (Silver Spring, MD United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Kelley is a former associate of Ayn Rand, and in my mind, her true intellectual heir. He's a dry writer, and this won't be a fun read, but everyone needs to understand this defense of realism.