Re: IMAGINATION AND TYRANNIES -- LIFEBOAT

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Date Posted: 10:50:56 07/18/00 Tue
Author: SwimmingUpstream
Subject: Re: IMAGINATION AND TYRANNIES
In reply to: Jonathan Gulson 's message, "Re: IMAGINATION AND TYRANNIES" on 10:48:13 07/18/00 Tue

Dear Jonathan,

I am going to assume that you have made one of your rare typing errors and that you are asking how I differentiate
percept from concept.

I understand perceptual thought to encompass only that which may be perceived -- that which exists and the
attributes of that which exists. For instance, a group of persons, their color, number, age, liberty, distance from one
another, etc.

I understand conceptual thought to encompass that which cannot be perceived -- that which does not now exist,
that which has never existed, and perhaps that which cannot exist (I'm leary of affirming a permanent nullity, but I'll
do so for the purposes of this definition). For instance -- an unknowable God, infinity (?), nothingness.

Behavioral scientists have found that apes can use sign language to convey percepts that have not been explicitly
taught them by their handlers -- for example, the ape that signed "candy" and "water" in an effort to convey her
desire for watermelon, something she had no sign for. That is an example of perceptual thought. But so far we
have no indication that any critter other than man can think about that which has no perceptible existence. I think
the potential for conceptual thought is likely one of the potentialities that differentiates man from other species.

Kindest Regards

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Replies:

Re: IMAGINATION AND TYRANNIES -- Jonathan Gulson, 10:52:14 07/18/00 Tue
- Re: IMAGINATION AND TYRANNIES -- SwimmingUpstream, 10:55:54 07/18/00 Tue
  - Re: IMAGINATION AND TYRANNIES -- SwimmingUpstream, 10:57:21 07/18/00 Tue