Shape Properties and Perception

Kirk Ludwig

Abstract

This paper responds to John Campbell's "Molyneux's Problem". Campbell argues for three claims: if shape properties are categorical, then perception of shape is externalist; if perception of shape properties is externalist, then there is no difference in the phenomenal character of shape experience in sight and touch; if externalism about shape perception is correct, then cross modal transfer of information is rational. I argue that shape properties are categorical, that the cross modal transfer of information is rational, and that none of these conditionals, contrary to Campbell's claims, can be shown to be true on non-truth-functional grounds.