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Perception, Representation, and Epistemic Reference

Perception, Representation, and Epistemic Reference

Paolo Piccari, “Perception, Representation, and Epistemic Reference,” Revista Portuguesa de Filosofia 81, no. 4 (2025): 1211–48, https://doi.org/10.17990/RPF/2025_81_4_1211.

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  • Perception, Representation, and Epistemic Reference

    Item Type Journal Article
    Author Paolo Piccari
    Abstract In this essay, I argue that our perception of the phenomenal world can be epistemically related to what exists without corresponding to it, since the human brain did not evolve to deliver a “true” image of reality but primarily to serve survival of the species. Perception is not a mere response to environmental stimuli but is a higher-level cognitive experience that provides indirect knowledge of objects and events. From this perspective, I defend a non-correspondentist, realist, and representational account of perception and language.
    Date 2025
    Library Catalog 401; 401.43; 401.45; 160; 401.41
    License © 2026 by Aletheia - Associação Científica e Cultural
    Volume 81
    Publisher Axioma - Publicações da Faculdade de Filosofia
    Section Philosophy of Language: New Frontiers in Meaning and Use
    Pages 1211-1248
    Publication Revista Portuguesa de Filosofia
    DOI 10.17990/RPF/2025_81_4_1211
    Issue 4
    Journal Abbr RPF
    ISSN 0870-5283 ; 2183-461X
    Date Added 1/31/2026, 7:42:07 PM
    Modified 1/31/2026, 9:22:34 PM

    Tags:

    • vision
    • language
    • epistemic reference
    • indirect realism
    • mental representation
    • perception
    • phenomenal world

    Notes:

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