sensesuch

Sensesuch is a neologism used in discussions of perception and phenomenology to denote a proposed mode of sensory experience in which perception is read as presenting the intrinsic nature or “suchness” of the object. The term does not have a standard definition within mainstream cognitive science and is mainly found in speculative or exploratory contexts.

Etymology and concept: The word fuses sense (sensory perception) with such, drawing a loose parallel to the Buddhist idea of suchness or tathata, which refers to the thing itself as it is. In this sense, sensesuch is intended to capture experiences where the sensory encounter seems to reveal a property of things beyond explicit interpretation or conceptual framing.

Definition and usage: In discussions, sensesuch may refer to phenomenological reports in which a participant describes an object as presenting itself in a way that feels immediate, non-derivative, or resistant to further description. It is often discussed in contrast to perception that is heavily mediated by language, beliefs, or expectations.

Applications and debates: Some theorists use the concept to explore the limits of perceptual immediacy, or to imagine how sensory interfaces in AI or augmented reality might preserve a sense of direct contact with the environment. Critics argue that perception is always interpretive to some degree and that attempts to isolate a pure “suchness” may overlook the role of context and cognition.

Related concepts: Qualia, phenomenology, immediate experience, sense data, embodied cognition, and the broader philosophical discourse on the nature of perception and reality.

Notes: Sensesuch remains a fringe or exploratory term without a formal, widely adopted theory. It is primarily found in speculative writings and glossaries describing perceptual experience. See also topics on perception and phenomenology for broader context.