Senso-percepção no de anima b de Aristóteles

Abstract

The analysis of sense-perception is fundamental for understanding Aristotle‟s cognitive proposal as well as for the efficiency of the cognition complex. To understand it, one shall begin by studying the relationship between body and soul as integrated parts of hylomorphic theory constituting concepts matter, form, act and potency. Hylomorphism is a mereological theory: the functioning of the whole is secured by the analog functioning of each of its parts. The sense-perceptive faculty is the first to distinguish an animal. It must be understood according to hylomorphic theory. The sense-perception occurs in act when sense which as potency is able to receive sensitive forms follows the motion of the medium resulting from the act of the perceived. Therefore sense-perception consists in receiving the sensitive form without the matter. Once the process is through, the perceiving becomes equal in form to the perceived. But only the sensitive perception of its proper can be infallible, for it connects perception and perceived in act. Imagination, on the other hand, is a movement which comes from the act of sensitive perception. It is a full complex of operations designed to connect sensations to thoughts. Such positive function is balanced by another, a negative one which sets the conditions and possibilities of truth and falsity. "Passive" and "productive" thoughts act on imagination. While the former absorbs the products of the synthesis between sense-perception and imagination, the latter's goal is to make sure the final product of the cognition displays reality as it is, resulting in a perfect cognitive act.