Baltussen, J.Skeates, R.Day, J.2020-05-172020-05-172019The Routledge Handbook of Sensory Archaeology, 2019 / Skeates, R., Day, J. (ed./s), Ch.3, pp.35-4711386762929781138676299http://hdl.handle.net/2440/124763This chapter gives an overview of some key themes in the early theories of sense perception. It covers early Greek theories (in particular those of the so-called Presocratics), Plato, Aristotle, and the early Peripatetics (Theophrastus and Strato). The comments on these first attempts at theorising senses come to us through the filter of Peripatetic reporting, which can be a challenge to their interpretation. In addition, it is argued that one can, to a degree, detect an increasing sophistication in the theoretical reasoning on the mechanism of sense perception. Finally, where possible, the chapter questions the standard hierarchy of the senses and highlights unusual cases of multisensory observations. The chapter provides the intellectual background for underpinning sensory studies of the ancient world, not just archaeology.en© 2020 selection and editorial matter, Robin Skeates and Jo Day; individual chapters, the contributors The right of Robin Skeates and Jo Day to be identified as the authors of the editorial material, and of the authors for their individual chapters, has been asserted in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reprinted or reproduced or utilised in any form or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publishers.Book chapter100000065610.4324/9781315560175-3466659Baltussen, J. [0000-0002-8262-1833]