Borrelli, Arianna (2024) The eye stays in the picture: Virtual images in early modern and modern optics. Perspectives on Science, 32 (3). pp. 300-328. ISSN 1063-6145

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Abstract

In optics, real images can be projected onto a screen, while virtual ones always remain behind mirrors. This apparently straightforward distinction is based on complex premises which emerged in the Early Modern period, and its development went hand in hand with a transformation of the notion of image, which became detached from sensual perception. In this article I will outline this historical process, and argue that the distinction between a real and virtual image still implies a reference to visual perception which makes it problematic, yet useful for didactic purposes.

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Item Type:	Published Article or Volume
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Borrelli, Arianna
Subjects:	General Issues > Explanation General Issues > History of Philosophy of Science General Issues > History of Science Case Studies General Issues > Models and Idealization Specific Sciences > Physics General Issues > Realism/Anti-realism
Depositing User:	Unnamed user with email m.zichert@tu-berlin.de
Date Deposited:	17 Mar 2026 16:28
Last Modified:	17 Mar 2026 16:28
Item ID:	28644
Journal or Publication Title:	Perspectives on Science
Publisher:	MIT Press
Official URL:	https://direct.mit.edu/posc/article-abstract/doi/1...
DOI or Unique Handle:	10.1162/posc_a_00608
Subjects:	General Issues > Explanation General Issues > History of Philosophy of Science General Issues > History of Science Case Studies General Issues > Models and Idealization Specific Sciences > Physics General Issues > Realism/Anti-realism
Date:	2024
Page Range:	pp. 300-328
Volume:	32
Number:	3
ISSN:	1063-6145
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/28644

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• The eye stays in the picture: Virtual images in early modern and modern optics. (deposited 02 Feb 2024 09:17)
  • The eye stays in the picture: Virtual images in early modern and modern optics. (deposited 17 Mar 2026 16:28) [Currently Displayed]

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