How to answer a test in Philosophy

Perception Intellectualist
If the subject supposes that perception is the work of the intellect,
the understanding, the reason.

Question Sample: (It starts with a quote followed by three questions):

“What we call perception is to a large extent a mental function.”
A. Explain this statement and state the problematic it raises. (9 points)
B. Discuss this idea in light of other theories that discussed the same problem.
(7 points)
C. In your opinion, is perception an obstacle to objective knowledge? Justify
your answer. (4 points)

Question Sample:
“What we call perception is to a large extent a mental function.”
A - Explain : 1 Intro
2 Problematic
3 Preliminary
4 The Quote’s theory

B - Discuss : 5 Transitional idea

6 Criticism of the Quote’s theory
7 Putting the other theory
8 Synthesis
C – In your opinion : 9 Opinion
 Sample answer Plan
A- First Question: Explain: (9 points: 2 intro + 2 problematic + 0.5
Preliminary + 4 Explanation + 0.5 pt. Coherence)

Introduction: (2 points)
Problematic: (2 points) 1st Suggestion:
General problematic: (0.5 pt.) What is the nature of perception?
Specific problematic: (1.5 pts.) Would it be a work of reason? Or it reduces
itself to sensation?

Preliminary idea: (0.5 pt.): Indeed, this judgement belongs to the intellectualist
current which considers perception essentially the work of understanding.
Explanation of the judgment: (4 pts.): The Quote’s theory:
Intellectualist theory.
Coherence: (0.5 pt.)

B - Second Question: Antithesis (Discussion): (7 points: 0.5 pt. Transitional+ 1

pt. Criticism+3.5 Other theory+1.5 Synthesis+ 0.5 Coherence)

Transitional idea for the Criticism of the Quote’s theory (0.5 pt.):
However, despite the importance of reason in the act of perception, the
intellectualist theory suffered from many difficulties. (two internal criticisms are
needed only)

Criticism: (1 pt.): Criticism of the Quote’s theory: The Intellectualist theory

Other theory: (3.5 pts.): The Gestalt theory
Synthesis: (1.5 pts.)
Coherence: (0.5 pt.)

C- Third question: Personal opinion (4 points)

C. In your opinion, is perception an obstacle to objective knowledge? Justify
your answer. (4 points)
1- Explanation of the question (1 pt.) (we explain the philosophical words in
question 3 in at least 5 lines)
2- Justification (2 points) (three proofs and three examples are needed)
3- Conclusion of the third question or Personal opinion (0.5 pt.) (at least 5
lines)
4- Coherence: (0.5 pt.)

Sample answer about perception

The Quote is about the Intellectualist Thesis:
Question Sample: (It starts with a quote followed by three questions):
“What we call perception is to a large extent a mental function.”
A - Explain this statement and state the problematic it raises. (9 points)
B - Discuss this idea in light of other theories that discussed the same
problem. (7 points)
C - In your opinion, is perception an obstacle to objective knowledge? Justify
your answer. (4 points)

A – Body one; Question #A; Thesis; Explain:

Introduction (2points)
As a beginning, Man is a multidimensional being, his intellectual operations
allow him to define reality in different ways. When a stimulus presents a person
with an object or situation from the past, one can then speak of an act of
remembering.
 We remember the past

We imagine the future

We perceive the present

When the presented object or the situation is considered as future or simply as

absent then there is a phenomenon of imagination. Finally, when the stimulus gives
him an object present and real, it is then a question of perception.
We continue, Perception is the consciousness of the external object
immediately present to the sensory organ.
So, it is a complex psychic fact that certain philosophers interpret as an act of
the mind and others as an immediate datum of sensation.
As a result, the question then is how this perceptual synthesis is affected.
And that leads us to face the following problematic:
General Problematic: What is the nature of perception? (0.5points)
Specific problematic: Would it be a work of reason? Or it reduces itself to
sensation? (1.5points)

After introducing the topic and stating the problematic it raises, we will explain the
topic (extra skill)

Preliminary idea: (0.5points) Indeed, this judgment belongs to the intellectualist

current which considers perception essentially the work of understanding.
The intellectualist Theory: (4 points) Parts are enough for the mind to perceive,
we don’t nrrd to see the whole.
First, for intellectualists to perceive is not only to feel colors, smells,
sounds... we must therefore distinguish perception from sensation.
Sensation is a conscious impression made on one of our sensory organs,
perception would be the sensed interpretation, thus becomes meaningful.

In every perception there are sensations, but there is also a sort of judgment
which brings them together into unity and makes us recognize these sensations as a
complete object.

Our mind
perceives
things as a
unity.
Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 4 It does the
Figure 3
biggest part of
perception.

So, if one does not just perceive red, but a red thing it means that when I
perceive, I identify objects (like a table, having such and such sensitive qualities)
and then I complete the synthesis of sensations coming from my different senses.

Second, the intellectualist theory of perception can be identified by the

definition proposed by Lalande: "Perception is the act by which an individual,
organizes his present sensations, interprets and supplements them with images and
souvenirs." He judges spontaneously an object distinct from him, real and at present
known to him'. Perception would then involve a whole mental construction by
which the sensations experienced are externalized and interpreted: externalized,
when, objects are perceived in space; Interpreted, when, one perceives houses, cars...
and not lines and colors.
 after, according to Lagneau the perception of an object in space is based
intellectual act, for space is a system of abstract relations which could not be felt but
judged. Distance is judged by an interpretation of sensitive data: the apparent
magnitude of the objects, the perspective; for example, intellectual experience and
memory allow us to interpret the reduction of a familiar object (a balloon deflated) at
a distance.

Figure
5

Figure 6 Figure 7

The balloon in figure 1 is small and deflated

The balloon in figure 2 is big and inflated
The balloon in the far-left corner in figure 3 looks small to the eye and deflated, but
it is the mind who sees it flying, therefore it is inflated, but because it is far, we see it
small
Next, according to Descartes, the sensitive qualities of objects do not give any
knowledge of it, for the same object can remain even though these sensible qualities
would have disappeared and would have been replaced (e.g., the piece of wax
subjected to the heat of the fire). Only understanding can provide this knowledge.
This is why perception is not a "vision" but an

Figure 10
Figure 8 Figure 9
 No matter the shape
the candle takes, you
will still recognize it
even from the light
or the smell or stain.
Figure 11 Figure 12
"inspection of the mind," a function of understanding

Perception also consists of interpreting sensations by judgments, supplementing

them with images, memories and previous knowledge that reflect culture: Alain
concludes on the perception of a cube: "an object is thought and not felt."

In front of a flower, a botanist will perceive much more than a profane.

After that, for Alain, perception is a judgment (through mental activity) and
anticipation (through imagination) and not pure sensation.
(The dice example: the combination of opposite both sides on the dice is always 7;
so, if 5 is on top you can judge (and not guess or predict) that there is 2 on the
bottom)
If 1 is upwards what is downwards?
If 4 is upwards what is downwards?
This is not guessing but judging 100%
and this is not done totally by the senses
but with the interference of the mind
Figure 13

We continue, since perception is considered by intellectualists as a set of

judgments,
the illusions of some will be interpreted as errors of judgment. This is the case, for
example, with the phenomenon of "constancy color", despite the variation in
sensation according to the intensity of light: "we see the color that we know that
objects have,"
 Figure 14 Figure 15

There is no mirror and no water on

the road, but still, we can see it
shining and reflecting the light:
intellectualist blame the mind in case of
illusion because they consider it the
responsible of our perception.
Figure 16

a black slate roof, which becomes light gray in the sun, is always perceived as
black.
Lastly, similarly, the author who drafts his work to correct it, sees with
difficulty the spelling mistakes because he knows before reading, and he projects
his knowledge and his memories on the characters read. (The mind focus on the
meaning of the sentence and the eye and the hand focus on the word. Because the
mind is stronger we see mistakes in the words.)

Intellectualist’s way: we
teach parts- letters then
words than sentence
Figure 18
Figure 17
PIZZA Gestalt’s way:
we will let the kid see the
whole car and say its name
and then memorize the
shape of the word.
Figure 20
Figure 19
CAR
After explaining the topic, we will discuss it (extra skill)

B – Body two; Question #B; Anthesis; Discuss:

Transitional idea: (0.5point) However, despite the importance of reason in the act
of perception, the intellectualist theory encountered several difficulties:

Criticism of the intellectualist theory: (The quote’s theory): (1point for the two
needed criticisms)
First, perception probably depends on the intellectual level of the subject and his
knowledge, but the traditional distinction between sensation and perception seems
questionable. It is by no means demonstrated by experience.

Second, the intellectualist theory explains perception as a mental function of the

adult (the judgments) while it does not explain it in the child.

Third, similarly, this theory which bases its explanation on previous knowledge
is not capable of enlightening us on the perception of new objects.
(Link) We were able to criticize the above theory. It means it’s not perfect. It
indicates that there are questions unanswered. Therefore, we need another theory to
answer and complete what is missing.

(Extra Skill): After criticizing the topic, we will continue by discussing it with
another theory

-The Gestalt theory or the theory of Good Form: (This is not the Quote’s
theory; it is a different one) (4 points)

First, the perception of the object is global: any perception is immediately

the perception of a set or of the whole. We do not perceive elements to reconstruct
them, but they are given to our senses immediately grouped in a structure, in a
gestalt," whose perception determines the meaning. There is no distinction between
sensation and perception; form is given to us with matter, intuitively and
immediately. They are in inseparable.

Second, objects constitute themselves, I open my eyes to a world of objects

which are organized according to the law of good form, the simplest and the
most coherent, and not on a multiplicity of lines and colors; for example, this
sequence of points, dispatched, appears to me as a series of groups of two
points: .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
The perception of form is determined by the relationships between the elements and
the background. The more distinct and structured the elements are according to their
proximity, resemblance, symmetry or contrast, and the more neutral or
undifferentiated the background, the more subject is affected by the good shape of
the object. Example: the perception of advertisements posted on the highway is
immediate.

Proximity: the points become a line or a letter. The whole is more important
than the parts.

Figure 21
resemblance:
Figure 22
Examples:

Contrast: Closure:
 Figure 24

Figure 23

We continue, the perception of space is intuitive, original and innate (we are
born with the gift of seeing in depth). Distance would be a gestalt, a natural structure
of the perceived in the same way as the form of objects;

Although it can be assumed that the accurate (intellectualist’s way needs

learning) evaluation of distances requires some learning. We do not see a small and
pale object to conclude that it is far away, but we see it in depth. (this is a reply to
the intellectualist’s balloon of Lagneau)

We do not see the sides of the road diagonally as far as the infinite (intellectualist’s
way), to judge of this appearance that the road is moving away. But we see the edges
of the road parallel in depth (Gestalt’s way).
Diagonal : intellectualist Parallel: Gestalt

Figure 25 Figure 26

The best proof is that the child, who still lives by his pure sensations, does not
spontaneously draw the sides of the diagonal road (intellectualist’s way). He needs a
whole education to learn (intellectualist’s way) how to draw, to see, from
perspective.

Kids see in depth (intuitive, original We learn how to draw like this
 and innate) (Gestalt’s way) parallel (intellectualist’s way) road diagonally

Figure 27 Figure 28

After, Gestalt interpretation of perceptual illusions: Perception is not an

analytical attitude it is the overall structure of the figure that determines the
perceptual illusion: Consider, for example, the illusion of Muller, the two segments
S1 and S2 are equal but S2 appears le larger than S1 because the whole of figure S2
is larger than the whole of figure S1.
S1

S2

Figure 29 Figure 30

Lastly, there is much to be learned from the Gestalt theory. In perception

everything overrides the element; the overall method of reading is a direct
application of this theory. It is possible to learn to read by first recognizing the
overall structure of complete written words(Gestalt) instead of learning the form of
each isolated letter. (intellectualist’s way)
 Figure 31 Figure 33
Figure 32
Paper Ball Cup

(Extra skill): After explaining and discussing the topic we end up to a synthesis:

Synthesis:
First, all in all, the intellectualist and Gestalt theories have had the merit (+)
of showing the role of intelligence and good form in perception.
Second, but these two theories present several disadvantages (-), since
perceiving is not limited to an act of reason, nor to a passive reception of good form.
At best these two theories have minimized the role of the perceiving subject and
his psychic life in the act of perception. Merleau-Ponty, insists on the role of the
living subject, of the body as the center in perception.
Third, in certain illusions, the privileged values of the moment and the
situation of the body also decide the perception of movement (-): by driving
regularly on the highway I perceive, at a given moment, that my car seems fixed, the
surrounding trees are mobile.
Fourth, perception can only be understood on the basis of the living being, his
needs and values. Perception is not an objective knowledge. It is a subjective
knowledge necessary and useful to the adaptation of man to his environment.
If one seeks objective knowledge, one must go beyond subjectivity and
proceed by technical means and rational methods. (Objective knowledge could be
found in Science only) (In human matter perception is subjective)

Question #3 Opinion
 C – Body three; Question #C; Personal opinion (4 points)
C. In your opinion, is perception an obstacle to objective knowledge? Justify
your answer. (4 points)

- Explanation of the question (1 pt.) (we explain the philosophical words in

question 3 in at least 5 lines)
- Justification (2 points) (three proofs and three examples are needed)
- Conclusion of the third question or Personal opinion (0.5 pt.) (at least 5
lines)
- Coherence: (0.5 pt.)

The earliest Gestalt work concerned perception, with particular

emphasis on visual perceptual organization as explained by the
phenomenon of illusion. In 1912 Wertheimer discovered the phi
phenomenon, an optical illusion in which stationary objects
shown in rapid succession, transcending the threshold at which
they can be perceived separately, appear to move. The
explanation of this phenomenon also known as persistence of
vision and experienced when viewing motion pictures provided
strong support for Gestalt principles.
/www.britannica.com/science/Gestalt-psychology
Techniques
Gestalt lead therapy involves the patient having a safe space to explore and expand upon their
experience in life without becoming fearful of being judged. Therapists will actively encourage
their patients to bring their experiences into the room, not to hold back; therefore, the therapist
can process raw emotions in real-time.

Gestalt therapy aims to allow the patient to fully collaborate with this therapist to increase
personal awareness and actively challenge obstacles blocking the patient from ultimately healing.
The therapist may involve the following techniques:

The empty chair

The empty chair technique within gestalt therapy is a role-playing exercise that openly
encourages the patient to begin speaking to either another form of themselves or imagine another
person. The patient will be positioned opposite the empty chair and begin speaking to the person
they imagine or their other part of themselves.

The empty chair therapy techniques can help identify vital meanings, information, and
perceptions that the patient may have been entirely unaware of. The method will allow the
patient to be more aware of their feelings and emotional experience, an opportunity to begin the
healing process.

Words of language

Tone and language are vital in gestalt therapy. As the patient slowly begins to accept
responsibility for themselves, they will subtly use a different form of language that reflects a
sense of ownership over their lives and experiences rather than focusing on others. For example,
instead of saying, “He knocked the glass of water over so, he made me started shouting”, the
patient will say terms such as “ I could see it was an accident, I got frustrated because I had said
before to please watch the glass of water. It made me feel as though I was being ignored and I
don’t like how that made me feel.”

The use of the term “I” is crucial when it comes to gestalt therapy.

Body language

During therapy sessions, a gestalt therapist will consciously observe the patient’s entire body
language and movement when discussing specific experiences, from shaking their leg to tapping
their finger on the table or pulling a clear facial expression. The gestalt therapist will speak about
their observations and ask the patient what is happening and how they feel at the precise moment
of these movements.
Often the therapist may ask the client to give their movement a voice and speak from that place.

Exaggeration

In addition to allowing the patient’s body language to have a voice of its own, a gestalt therapist
may enquire further into the patient’s body language, especially if their patient often finds it hard
to put what is happening in words. The therapist may ask for them to express themselves through
the act of motion to draw out the patient’s experience at that specific moment in time.

Patients often have been through a specific experience that has wholly disconnected their
emotional experiences from their physical experiences.

Roleplay

Roleplay is similar to the ‘Empty chair’ technique that many gestalt therapists utilize. This
therapy technique is used to help patients that have multiple versions of themselves. The patient
will speak as the dominant and submissive person regarding how they view themselves within
the experience.

Creative arts

Many gestalt therapists will utilize such activities as sculpting, drawing, and painting to
encourage their patients to gain awareness of their surroundings, stay present within the moment,
and learn how to process the present.

This technique allows the patient to become more aware of their experiences and the ongoing
healing process.

Locating emotion

Most patients who are helped with gestalt therapy talk about their emotions instead then
experiencing their feeling. Due to the nature of possible experiences, many individuals would
have learned to detach their feelings from their expressions completely.

While patients talk about their emotions, a gestalt therapist will encourage them to express where
they feel that emotion in their bodies. Bringing emotional awareness within the patient’s body
allows them to stay present and openly process their feelings effectively.

Gestalt therapy can help with

Gestalt therapy treatment has been evidence to help patients who suffer from mental health
disorders such as:

 Anxiety
 Depression
 OCD
  PTSD
 Self-esteem

Further research has evidenced that many gestalt techniques can help with additional physical
pains, such as

 Ulcerative colitis
 Migraines
 Back spams

Patients interested in working on themselves and learning about their role, which creates
discomfort and unhappiness in their lives, can benefit greatly.

Final thoughts

Gestalt therapy seeks to resolve the conflicts and ambiguities that result from the failure to
integrate features of the personality. Gestalt therapy aims to teach people to become aware of
significant sensations within themselves and their environment so that they respond fully and
reasonably to situations. Like any treatment, Gestalt therapy has its pros and cons; if this specific
therapy treatment is successful, the patient and therapist can be open, honest, and ultimately trust
each other. Gestalt therapy can feel very intrusive; the therapist will ask about experiences you
may not have healed from or still cause you immense pain; however, this is crucial for success.

Gestalt therapy has backed evidence of successful techniques applicable in today’s society and
can be utilized across a broad spectrum of mental health disorders.

https://shorelinerecoverycenter.com/gestalt-therapy-
techniques-examples/