28.6.2010
Since I've been asked (actually multiple times) what the term
'perceptacle' in the title of my earlier post about Poe and perception means:
it's a word play; the more obvious components are the title of Poe's story
('The spectacles') and the notion of perception, which is an important
ingredient in my discussion. In addition, there is a metaphysical concept
originating in Plato's late work, namely, the 'receptacle' (hypodoché
in Greek). Plus, the notion of the spectacular might have played a role,
too.
The most interesting association here, of course, is with the receptacle.
I guess a fascinating road of interpretation would be to compare the role
perception plays in our daily life, and its relations to valuations, with
the metaphysical idea of a receptacle and specific qualities that impress
on it.
