Molyneux's Question and the History of Philosophy

William Molyneux asked John Locke if a blind person who could distinguish a globe and a cube by touch could immediately distinguish and name these shapes by sight if given the ability to see. This question has fascinated philosophers, psychologists, and cognitive scientists and is explored in Molyneuxs Question and the History of Philosophy, a collection of essays that consider the problem from a philosophical, empirical, and scientific perspective. The volume will be of interest to students and researchers in philosophy, psychology, cognitive sciences, and the mind, perception, and senses.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 356 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In 1688, the Irish scientist and politician William Molyneux penned a letter to the esteemed philosopher John Locke, posing a thought-provoking inquiry. Molyneux wondered if a person born blind, but possessing the ability to distinguish a globe and a cube through touch, could instantly recognize and name these shapes upon gaining the gift of sight. This captivating puzzle, which has captured the attention of philosophers, including Leibniz, Berkeley, Diderot, Reid, and numerous others, including psychologists and cognitive scientists today, begs the question: does it constitute a philosophical conundrum or a problem that can be addressed through experimental investigations? Moreover, it delves into the intricate relationship between vision and touch, exploring whether senses are interconnected through learning or are predetermined at birth.

Molyneux's Question and the History of Philosophy is a comprehensive collection of essays that delve into the profound implications of Molyneux's problem. This volume explores the historical context of the question, examines its pre-history, and sheds light on aspects that have been overlooked, such as perspectives from religion and disability. By adopting an interdisciplinary approach, the book presents a series of original investigations that are philosophically rich, empirically informed, and scientifically rigorous. This work will appeal to students and researchers in philosophy, psychology, cognitive sciences, including neuroscience, neurobiology, and ophthalmology, as well as those interested in the study of the mind, perception, and the senses.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367543525