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Philosophy For Our Times
Philosophy of the senses | Philosopher Barry C. Smith
Sep 3, 2024
Barry C. Smith, a leading philosopher and Director of the Institute of Philosophy at the University of London, explores the often-overlooked senses of taste, smell, and touch. He critiques the historical focus on sight and sound while discussing their crucial role in shaping human perception. Smith delves into the challenges AI faces in replicating human-like consciousness rooted in sensory experiences. He even applies these ideas to the philosophical dimensions of wine tasting, revealing the intricate interplay of our senses and their subjective nature.
25:00
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Quick takeaways
- Philosophy's historical focus on sight and sound has overlooked the significance of taste, smell, and touch in understanding human experience.
- The interplay between senses, particularly smell and taste, underscores the necessity for an integrated approach to grasp the complexities of consciousness.
Deep dives
The Neglected Senses
Philosophy has historically focused on vision and sound, sidelining senses like smell and touch, which are often seen as less significant. This prioritization stems from a desire to access objective reality, as the bodily senses are viewed as more personal and thus somewhat corrupting. However, neglecting the senses of smell and touch limits our understanding of human experience and consciousness. Barry Smith argues that these sensory experiences are crucial for grasping the full dimension of reality, especially in a digital age where our interactions are primarily visual and auditory.
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