Sensations are not private objects from "summary" of The Concept of Mind by Gilbert Ryle
The idea that sensations are not private objects may strike some as peculiar or even absurd. After all, when we experience sensations such as pain or pleasure, it seems as though these experiences are uniquely our own - private in the sense that they belong solely to us. However, upon closer examination, this notion of private sensations begins to unravel. Consider the example of a person who is experiencing a sensation of pain. This person may groan or grimace in response to the pain, indicating to others that they are in a state of discomfort. In this way, the sensation of pain is not something that is hidden away within the confines of the individual's mind, but rather something that is outwardly expressed and observable to others. Furthermore, when we communicate with others about our sensations - whether it be through spoken language, gestures, or facial expressions - we are relying on a shared understanding of what these sensations mean. For example, if I tell someone that I am feeling cold, they can infer from this statement that I am experiencing a sensation of chilliness, even though they cannot directly perceive this sensation themselves. In this way, sensations are not private objects that exist in isolation from the external world, but rather are part of a larger framework of shared experiences and meanings. Our sensations are shaped by our interactions with others, as well as by the cultural and social contexts in which we live. This challenges the traditional view of sensations as purely internal and individualistic phenomena. By recognizing that sensations are not private objects, we can begin to see how our experiences are interconnected with the experiences of others. This shift in perspective opens up new possibilities for understanding the nature of consciousness and the ways in which we relate to the world around us. It invites us to consider the ways in which our sensations are influenced by, and in turn influence, our relationships with others and the broader social environment in which we exist.
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