Introduction:

Perception, the fundamental process by which we make sense of the world around us, has been a subject of profound philosophical inquiry throughout history. It encompasses our sensory experiences, cognitive interpretations, and the formation of our understanding of reality. Within the realm of perception, a philosophical divide arises between two contrasting perspectives: the direct realists and the representationalists. These two schools of thought offer distinct explanations regarding the nature of perception and the relationship between our perceptions and the external world. Direct realists argue that our perceptions directly and immediately connect us to the external world, granting us unfiltered access to reality. In contrast, representationalists posit that our perceptions are mediated by mental representations, suggesting that what we perceive is a constructed model of reality. In this article, we will explore this philosophical conflict, delving into the perspectives of direct realists and representationalists, and examining the implications of each viewpoint. By doing so, we aim to unravel the intricate nature of perception and address the crucial question: Which of these perspectives provides a more comprehensive understanding of the nature of perception and its relationship to the external world?