Don't Trust The Senses

March 7th, 2021

Heraclitus called self-deception an awful disease and eyesight a lying sense.

- Diogenes Laertius in Lives Of The Eminent Philosophers, 9.7

We rely on our senses to survive. Driving a vehicle requires we see obstacles and hazards. Being caught off guard, not seeing another car approaching. We can also see impediments that do not exist.

Conclusion

For these reasons, we need to avoid the hubris of trusting our senses. Avoid rushing to conclusions. Test our assumptions and use reason to come to the correct decisions.