Is there a qualitative difference between Seeing and Looking?

Question

Or is it just a different name 4 the same "act?"


Thanks:))

Answer 1

for those who have 'eyes' let them SEE
the SPLENDOR is there

for those who have 'ears' let them HEAR
MY SPIRIT dancing in the trees (not my spirit....CREATOR'S=))


SEEING in philosophical terms is understanding and applying deeper 'vision' to. or simply making sense of 'it'

looking is having the ability to use eyes.

Answer 2

Even though many words are USED interchangably, it doesn't mean that they ARE interchangable. It just means that many people are sloppy with how they employ their language. See and look are a good example of supposed synonyms.

Looking, however, does imply an active form of perception. Though it is usually associated with vision, it doesn't necessarily have to be so - you can look for a light switch in a dark room, for example. And if you're NOT looking, the only way you're going to find something is by accident.

Seeing, on the other hand, does not imply any kind of active perception. What it DOES suggest is actual perceptual contact with something. This is also usually attached to vision, but doesn't necessarily have to be so - if you understand a new idea, you might say that you 'see' it. Conversely, you can't see something and not have an idea about it. Contact has been made.

Thus we can use these words together to describe interesting situations. You might say that "many look for answers, but few people see them". Or "nobody was looking, but everybody saw".

Hope that helps!

Answer 3

I think there is. To see is know what you are looking at, and to understand it on some level. Seeing can be looking at an external visual object, it can be understanding something heard, or it can be understanding something one is simply thinking about.

Looking has more the idea of just observing. I may look at something and not see it for what it is, at all. I may look and not understand what I am seeing. I might understand, but I don't think there is anything intrinsic in this word that implies understanding.

Maggie

Answer 4

Yes there is a substantial difference. Seeing is what occurs when reflected light impinges on the retina. Looking is actively seeking to have specific light impinge on your retina. The act of seeing is not conscious, looking takes volition.

Answer 5

Technically they are the same thing, but they each have their own implications. Seeing seems to suggest something that is passive, while looking suggests an active examination. We see things every day, but we very rarely take a look.

Answer 6

Both you and your friend may be looking at the same picture, but perhaps he will get to see things that are not apparent to you (they may be there in some details or they may be matters of interpretation - as in art -) but it remains that , indeed, seeing and looking are not the same thing at all.

Answer 7

I refer seeing as being able to comprehend and visualize what your eyes are fixed on and viewing or taken in.... looking is just pointing your eyes in the direction of the object not really taken notice of anything detailed or in particular. kind of like staring into space.

Example: If someone says "Look at that" you turn your head and your eyes are pointed in the general direction, but not focused on anything since you do not know what you are to be taken in and viewing. Its just an over view.

Example: If someone said "Did you see that ? " they are asking if you actually have focused on the object that they want you to see and have understood what it was.

Definition of See: To perceive with the eye.

To apprehend as if with the eye.
To detect by means analogous to use of the eye: an electronic surveillance camera that saw the activity in the embassy yard.
To have a mental image of; visualize: They could still see their hometown as it once was.
To understand; comprehend: I see your point.

Definition of Look: To employ one's sight, especially in a given direction or on a given object: looking out the window; looked at the floor.
To search: We looked all afternoon but could not find it.

To turn one's glance or gaze

Answer 8

I believe there is. You can look at two men shaking hands on a street corner, or you can see a drug deal go down. Does that explain it?

Answer 9

yeah its like hearing and listening. yyou can hear somebody like lets say your mom telling you to do something. if you LISTEN to her, you will do it, if you just HEAR her, it means that you know what she said but basically really dont care....looking is like just looking at things all day long without really noticing them. but SEEING is when you realize or feel something at the same time u are looking at that something or someone.

Answer 10

Seeing is understanding, it is concious.

Looking is taking photo, it is unconcious.

You may look but you may not see.

When you see, you're aware, and responsive.