Burge on Perception and the Disjunction Problem

Abstract

The Disjunction Problem states that teleological theories of perception cannot explain why a subject represents an F when an F causes the perception and not the disjunction F v G, given that the subject has mistaken G's for F's in the past.  Without a suitable answer, non-veridical representation becomes impossible to explain.  Here, I defend Burge's teleological theory of perception against the Disjunction Problem, arguing that a perceptual state's representing a disjunctive property is incompatible with perceptual anti-individualism.  Because anti-individualism is at the heart of Burge's theory, I conclude that Burgeans need not be concerned with the Disjunction Problem.