Does taste exist when it's not in your mouth?

Question

I've read about this in TOK, and I find this very interesting. Is taste just a combination of what you taste and your tongue? If there is no one in a room to smell something, does the smell exist?

It's difficult to find a proper answer!

I don't think this is a matter of science. You can't actually prove what you claim, can you?

Answer 1

'Taste' is a sensory experience. It does not occur in your mouth but in your MIND. The physical phenomenon that you are tasting are chemicals of certain kinds - these always exist whether there is a mind there or not. If we ever build a machine that 'tastes' things, all it will really do is detect these chemicals; because actual taste is a personal experience, it cannot be replicated without the person.

The same may be said for any sense. Loudness is what you experience of the amplitude of a air pressure wave. You can measure pressure but only estimate (or experience) loudness. Colour is what you experience of the frequency of a light wave. There are machines that detect specific frequencies, but you and I may have very different experiences of colour from the same frequencies. And so on and so on.

Answer 2

you taste what you smell, although some things that do not smell still have taste.

the concept of smell is has two meanings; the act of smelling, or a odor.

Answer 3

yes, it still exists so does everything else in the world you can't see touch or feel. The question is when does it exist because time is not stationary and no one ever accounts for it.

Answer 4

Dish Dish, you should be able to figure this one out. It's the same old thing as "does a bear poo in the woods?"

Answer 5

If you stick a tampon soaked in Coolaid up your butt, can you taste which flavor it is?