The function of sensations in the process of knowledge according to Heraclitus. Part one: the direct use of sensations.

Authors

  • Celso Oliveira Vieira

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14195/1984-249X_12_5

Keywords:

Heraclitus, Direct sensation, Knowledge, Epistemology

Abstract

Divided in two parts the article aims to define what is the role of sensation in the process of knowledge as prescribed by Heraclitus. The first part concerns the direct use of sensation, in which there is no mediation between the one who perceives and the thing perceived. In examining the fragments related mainly to the smell, taste and touch the requisites to a direct sensation are found. The process begins with the thing perceived that, to be properly recognized, must be perceived by its proper organ. An organ is proper if it can distinguish the thing according to its own nature. A direct sensation would be responsible to the distinctive step on the process of knowledge allowing to identify the opposites before comprehending their union. The animal who has the organ is also important because there are signs that the sensation is generated in accordance with the species where it occurs, a sort of teleology. In this point the case of humans becomes particular because they have a kind of theory of mind that allows them to identify the differences perceived by different animals. Thus it is introduced a type of indirectness in the sensation, that is to see what the others are perceiving. This takes to the second part of the article where indirect sensation is examined.

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References

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Published

2014-01-25

How to Cite

Vieira, C. O. (2014). The function of sensations in the process of knowledge according to Heraclitus. Part one: the direct use of sensations. Revista Archai, (12), 41. https://doi.org/10.14195/1984-249X_12_5

Issue

No. 12 (2014): No. 12 (2014): Revista Archai nº12 (January, 2014)

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Celso Oliveira Vieira

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