What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to clarify Aristotle's distinction between the psychological and physiological aspects of perception.

April 1, 2026

Soul and Body in Aristotle's Theory of Perception

Key Points

The aim is to clarify Aristotle's distinction between the psychological and physiological aspects of perception.
Analyzed Aristotle's texts on perception and its components
Examined the roles of judgment and receptivity in perception
Explored the relationship between soul and body in the process of perceiving
Argues perception consists of both active (judgment/discrimination) and passive (receptivity) aspects
Highlights the role of sense organs in reception of sensory information
Explains how the soul enables judgment of perceived objects

Abstract

abstract: A widespread view has it that, for Aristotle, perception's psychological and physiological aspects are phenomenal consciousness and its underlying material basis. I argue on the contrary that they are judgment/discrimination and receptivity: in virtue of our sense organs, we are receptive to objects of perception; in virtue of our souls, we judge or discriminate these objects. In effect, Aristotle divides perception's active and passive aspects between soul and body. I defend this view with special attention to Aristotle's claim that our senses receive form without matter in perception.

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Cite This Study

Joshua Trubowitz (Tue,) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69cd7a615652765b073a7744 https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1353/hph.2026.a986602

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