Sensory Perceptions

Sensory Perceptions

Laura Orndorff

April 23, 2013

Professor Sonja Sheffield

Critical Thinking

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“The senses deceive from time to time and it is prudent never to trust wholly those who have deceived us even once” (Descartes, 1639). Too true is this statement, for millions of people count on their senses every day. From chefs to psychics to blind people, sensory perception is a daily necessity that is used to survive. This assignment will discuss the importance of sensory perception and the accuracy and inaccuracy of sensory information. Three contributing factors to the accuracy and inaccuracy of sensory data will be identified and discussed, as well as the roles of “nature” and “nurture” with the regard to the interpretation and evaluation of sensory data. Finally, a conclusion will be made on whether humans can really trust their senses and interpretation of sensory data to give them an accurate view of the world.

Sensations are a way of discovering the world around us. Through sight, smell, taste, hearing, and touch we can interpret that a cotton ball is white, rap music sounds differently than country music, lemons have a tart and sour taste, the cookies that have been in the oven for forty minutes smell burnt, and ice is cold. However, perception is the process of interpreting our sensory signals to the brain. Perception allows us to identify that a plate is always round, even if viewed from a different angle and if a person who is six feet tall is seen as being smaller, then they are far away.

However, sensory information is only as accurate as we are taught to perceive it. For instance, infants do a good deal of sensory perception as they explore their new world. They are taught that a heater is hot, grass is green, the stuff that comes out of their behinds smells bad, fire engines are loud, and ice cream tastes sweet. But as infants and toddlers, humans are taught to associate certain words with certain sensations.

But what...