Ask a Question
or
Create a Poll
  1. Home /
  2. Questions /
  3. Health
  4. / Mental Health

by PokerPaul on June 30th, 2005

PokerPaul

Question

Help answer this question below.

If a person who had been blind since birth could suddenly see, would he be able to guess who the human was in a line up of say a dog, elephant, lion, human, etc?

  • Like
  • Report
Share:
Other

Answers. 6 helpful answers below.

  • by Max Power on December 8th, 2005

    Max Power

    Considering the fact that as soon as he could see, he would be able to see himself.

    So, you would first have to prevent him from either seeing himself and any other human on the way to the line up.

    That said, if the previously blind person was intuitive enough he could deduce from his tactile experience that he has eyes in front of his face and small ears on the side of his head etc etc and eliminate choices like the elephant. Also the fact that the dog and lion stand on all fours would be a give-away as well.

    So, the previously blind person 'could' guess accurately which one would be the human.

    I don't know of any statistical or experimental studies but I would assume in cases like this the answers could be that 'he could be able' or 'he couldn't be able.'

    This also depends on the age when this person sees again and also his experiences, and knowledge. You can still describe things to a blind person even though they may not fully grasp the 'picture'. So, memory will play a part as well.

    • Like
    • Report

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by WilAtHart is DONE on January 31st, 2009

    WilAtHart is DONE

    in being blind since birth, he would have gotten used to using his hands, using the bathroom, getting to know HIMSELF...that would narrow down the search a bit when deciding the difference between a human and an elephant!

    • Like
    • Report

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by CSWarn on April 9th, 2007

    CSWarn

    Yeah- because he knows his own form. He has a body and has lived with it for a lifetime. He has been around family and friends, received hugs and handshakes.

    • Like
    • Report

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by DukeG on January 31st, 2009

    DukeG

    I would have to say of course. He was blind not stupid.

    • Like
    • Report

    1 comment | Post one | Permalink

  • by Prunesquallor on December 5th, 2009

    Prunesquallor

    Probably not. People who gain sight suddenly tend to find it a very confusing and disorienting experience. A baby learns how to see - much of our sight originates in the brain rather than the eyes. It is the brain that organises the light patterns into a coherent structure.

    Imagine being suddenly thrust into a world of confusing flashes, shapes and colours. It is a very unpleasant experience, and is the reason that many people who do gain sight in this way become very depressed for a long time afterwards.

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by AndyP on December 5th, 2009

    AndyP

    I would imagine so, as if you know any blind people they like to have things described to them, they are interested in details.

    It would be great to see the joy on thier face.

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

Want to attach an image to your answer? Click here.

Did this answer your question? If not, then ask a new question or create a poll.

More Questions. Additional questions in this category.

You're reading If a person who had been blind since birth could suddenly see, would he be able to guess who the human was in a line up of say a dog, elephant, lion, human, etc?

Follow us on Facebook!

Related Ads

Related Questions

Professionally Researched

ANSWERBAG BUZZ

Blind could suddenly see
How to explain light to a person who is blind since birth
Blind person suddenly sees
Blind since birth gain sight
Describe things to a blind person

Answerbag

a Demand Media company