Introspection as Inner Perception

Abstract

Literally speaking, the term ‘introspection’ means to look within. The concept of introspection thereby suggests an ability to perceive within oneself. If we regard introspection in this literal manner, we are led to posit a perceptual faculty in the mind through which we observe our own mental states. Just as we perceive the external world through specific perceptual mechanisms, such as eyes, ears, and skin, we might perceive internal events through some similar sort of mechanism or process that is specially aimed toward the perception of mental states. A number of people, both past and present, have regarded introspection along these lines. Moreover, ordinary talk of a ‘mind’s eye’ or ‘looking within’ oneself likewise suggests some kind of perceptual process regarding introspection. However, as I will argue later, there are good reasons for thinking that this view of introspection is mistaken as a literal account of what goes on in our minds when we come to know our own mental states. Dismissing this common view of introspection will open the concept of introspection to a broader range of understanding and analysis. It will allow us to conceive of introspection not as a singular mechanism or process, but rather as a metaphor for our diverse and heterogeneous capacities to obtain knowledge of our own minds.