Footnotes2Plato Thinking with Whitehead about boundaries, perpetual perishing, and perception
Mar 17, 2021
Discover the intriguing philosophy of Alfred North Whitehead as it contrasts with Aristotle's views. Dive into the concept of boundaries and how perception shapes our understanding of reality. Explore the idea of causal efficacy and the notion of perpetual perishing, revealing the fluidity of experiences and the ever-evolving nature of the mind. This engaging discussion highlights how interconnectedness influences our perceptions and experiences of the world.
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Two Modes Of Perception
- Whitehead distinguishes two modes of perception: causal efficacy (water-like flow) and presentational immediacy (light-like surfaces).
- These modes combine via symbolic reference to produce meaningful perception rather than raw sensation alone.
Perishing Defines Occasion Boundaries
- Actual occasions lack strict spatio-temporal boundaries and feel boundless, including the universe's potentials.
- Yet an occasion attains individuality by 'perishing', collapsing potential into a unique actual perspective.
Perpetual Perishing As Transmission
- Perpetual perishing marks the boundary between subjective immediacy and objective immortality.
- It also transmits dead facts from past occasions into the present feeling of new occasions.