Meaning: David Chalmers, an Australian philosopher known for his work in the philosophy of mind, cognitive science, and metaphysics, made the statement, "Sense data are much more controversial than qualia, because they are associated with a controversial theory of perception - that one perceives the world by perceiving one's sense-data, or something like that." This quote encapsulates the debate surrounding sense data, qualia, and the theory of perception, which are central topics in the philosophy of mind and epistemology.

To understand the significance of this quote, it is essential to delve into the concepts of sense data, qualia, and the theory of perception. Sense data refer to the subjective elements of perceptual experiences, such as the raw, uninterpreted data that the mind receives from the senses. It is the immediate objects of perception, including colors, sounds, tastes, and tactile sensations, which are experienced as they are, without any inferences or interpretations. Qualia, on the other hand, are the qualitative aspects of conscious experiences, such as the redness of an apple, the sweetness of sugar, or the feeling of warmth from the sun. They are often described as the "what it is like" aspect of subjective experiences.

The controversy surrounding sense data and qualia arises from the challenges associated with their nature and the theory of perception. While qualia are widely debated in the philosophy of mind, sense data are even more contentious due to their association with a particular theory of perception. The theory posits that individuals perceive the external world by perceiving their sense data, suggesting that our direct awareness is of these sense data rather than the external objects themselves. This challenges the common-sense view of perception, which holds that we directly perceive external objects and their properties.

The debate surrounding sense data and the theory of perception has deep roots in the history of philosophy, particularly in the works of empiricist philosophers such as John Locke, George Berkeley, and David Hume. These philosophers proposed theories of perception that emphasized the role of sense data as the immediate objects of perception. According to their views, the mind receives sensory impressions or ideas that represent external objects, and our perception of the world is mediated through these mental representations.

David Chalmers' quote highlights the controversial nature of sense data in comparison to qualia, as it draws attention to the contentious theory of perception that underlies the concept of sense data. The idea that perception involves direct awareness of sense data rather than external objects challenges fundamental assumptions about the nature of perception and the external world. This controversial theory has profound implications for our understanding of the mind, consciousness, and the nature of reality.

Contemporary discussions on sense data and the theory of perception continue to grapple with the challenges and implications of these ideas. Some philosophers argue for a reevaluation of the role of sense data in perception, emphasizing the need to account for the subjective and immediate aspects of perceptual experiences. Others critique the theory of perception that posits sense data as the immediate objects of perception, advocating for alternative models that preserve the direct perception of external objects.

In conclusion, David Chalmers' quote encapsulates the controversy surrounding sense data, qualia, and the theory of perception in the philosophy of mind. The debate over the nature of sense data and their role in perception continues to be a central topic of philosophical inquiry, with far-reaching implications for our understanding of consciousness, perception, and the nature of reality.