Representationalism: meaning, definitions and examples

Used mainly in philosophical discussions about how we perceive the world and if we can only understand it through mental representations.

• In representationalism, our perceptions are shaped by mental images.
• Representationalism argues that our sensory experiences are mere representations of the external world.

Typically used in discussions about philosophical theories that argue reality is mentally constructed or immaterial.

• According to idealism, physical objects do not exist independently of our perception of them.
• Berkeley’s idealism posits that to be is to be perceived.

Used both in psychology to refer to the emphasis on internal mental states and in magic as a performance art where the performer appears to read minds.

• In mentalism, a magician creates the illusion of mind reading.
• Cognitive psychology often relies on mentalism to explain behavior through internal thought processes.

Often brought up in philosophy, describing the view that we perceive the world indirectly through mental representations or sensory data.

• Indirect realism suggests we do not have a direct connection with the external world.
• According to indirect realism, our senses provide us with data that our minds interpret.