THE PERCEPTION CONTRAST OF THE SOCRATIC THEORY OF RECOLLECTION WITH THE IDEAS OF HUSSERL'S PHENOMENOLOGY: A HISTORICAL INTERPRETATION

JAMES HENRY WALKER, Boston College

Abstract

This work represents a philosophical attempt to examine and trace the possible grounds for viewing the Socratic idea of 'recollection' as a theory of human perception with western philosophy's idea of 'imagination' perception as the fundamental essence of perception in man. An examination is done of the philosophical problems of perception in the early Pre-Socratic ideas of the Milesian School, the Pythagoreans School and the philosophical thoughts of Heraclitus and Parmenides. Slight reference is made to the perception philosophy of Xenophanes. Second, contrast is made between the possible philosophical intentions of the Socratic idea of 'recollection' with what is referred to as the Platonic 'participation' claims of perception. Aristotle's treatment of the real distinction between 'reminiscence' and 'memory' is descriptively examined to show further the problem of human perception after Socrates and Plato. Third, being ever mindful of the Socratic idea of 'recollection' perception, a critical examination is offered of the problem of perception in the modern philosophies of Descartes, Kant, and Jean-Paul Sartre. Evidence is shown of the movement of these philosophers' thoughts towards the contrast of the 'imagination' theory of perception with the Socratic theory of 'recollection'. Last, a tripartite analysis is done of the possible operation of the Socratic idea of 'recollection' perception with a critical look at basic tenets of Edmund Husserl's Phenomenological Philosophy. In sum, a more originary look at the early Socratic idea of 'recollection' as an act or faculty of human perception prior to that of the act or faculty of 'imagination' perception is called forth in opening up new grounds for arguing for a fresh look at the treatment of human perception in the history of western philosophy.

Recommended Citation

JAMES HENRY WALKER, "THE PERCEPTION CONTRAST OF THE SOCRATIC THEORY OF RECOLLECTION WITH THE IDEAS OF HUSSERL'S PHENOMENOLOGY: A HISTORICAL INTERPRETATION" (January 1, 1981). Boston College Dissertations and Theses. Paper AAI8207378.
http://escholarship.bc.edu/dissertations/AAI8207378