Perception is "a kind of drama, wherein some things are performed behind the scenes, others are represented to the mind in different scenes, one succeeding the another"
— Reid, Thomas (1710-1796)
Author
Place of Publication
London and Edinburgh
Publisher
Printed for A. Millar and A. Kincaid & J. Bell
Date
1764
Metaphor
Perception is "a kind of drama, wherein some things are performed behind the scenes, others are represented to the mind in different scenes, one succeeding the another"
Metaphor in Context
The process of Nature in perception by the senses, may therefore be conceived as a kind of drama, wherein some things are performed behind the scenes, others are represented to the mind in different scenes, one succeeding the another. The impression made by the object upon the organ, either by immediate contact, or by some intervening medium, as well as the impression made upon the nerves and brain, is performed behind the scenes, and the mind sees nothing of it. But every impression, by the laws of drama, is followed by a sensation, which is the first scene exhibited to the mind; and this scene is quickly succeeded by another, which is the perception of the object.
Categories
Provenance
Reading
Citation
An Inquiry into the Human Mind, on the Principles of Common Sense. By Thomas Reid, D. D. Professor of Philosophy in King's College, Aberdeen (Edinburgh: Printed for A. Millar and A. Kincaid & J. Bell, 1764). <Link to ECCO>
The third edition is available in Google Books <Link>
See also fourth edition of 1785, which serves as the copy text for Derek Brookes' critical edition published by The Pennsylvania State University Press, 1997.
See also fourth edition of 1785, which serves as the copy text for Derek Brookes' critical edition published by The Pennsylvania State University Press, 1997.
Date of Entry
03/29/2005
