Extramission is a term used in philosophy to describe the theory that perception occurs through rays emitted by the eyes. Its spelling can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as ɛkstrəˈmɪʃən. The first syllable is pronounced as "ek", with a short e sound followed by a k sound. The second syllable is "tru", with a short u sound. The third syllable is "mi", with a short i sound, and the fourth syllable is pronounced as "shun", with a schwa sound followed by a sh sound and short u sound.
Extramission refers to the philosophical and physiological theory that proposes that visual perception occurs through rays of light emitted by the observer's eyes. This concept suggests that the eyes actively send out rays of light or some form of energy that interacts with the external objects and allows individuals to see. Extramission was historically contrasted with the theory of intromission, which held that vision was the result of light entering the eyes from external stimuli.
This theory traces its origins back to ancient Greek philosophers such as Empedocles and Plato, who believed that the eyes emitted some kind of substance or energy that facilitated perception. Over the centuries, extramission has been challenged and ultimately disproven by scientific advancements, particularly the understanding of light and the anatomy of the eye.
Today, extramission is considered an antiquated and debunked theory. The modern scientific consensus is based on the understanding that vision is a result of light striking the eyes and being interpreted by the visual system, rather than any emission of energy from the eyes themselves.
Extramission played a significant role in the historical development of theories on how vision works and contributed to the broader understanding of the senses. Despite its inaccuracy, extramission remains an important concept in the history of philosophy, providing insight into past beliefs and the progress of scientific understanding.
The word "extramission" is derived from the Latin roots "extra" meaning "outside" or "beyond" and "missio" meaning "sending". The term was originally used in the context of vision and perception to refer to the belief that visual perception occurs through rays or emissions of light sent out from the eyes. This theory suggested that the eyes emit something that allows the objects in the external world to be seen. However, this concept has been largely discredited in modern understandings of vision, which support the theory of "intromission", stating that vision occurs when light from objects enters the eyes.