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Feel vs. Sense

What's the Difference?

Feel and sense are both verbs that involve the perception of something through touch or other sensory experiences. However, there is a subtle difference between the two. "Feel" typically refers to the physical sensation of touch, while "sense" is more often used to describe a more abstract or intuitive perception of something. For example, you might feel the softness of a blanket, but you might sense that someone is watching you. Both words are essential for understanding and interacting with the world around us.

Comparison

Feel
Photo by Claudio Schwarz on Unsplash
AttributeFeelSense
DefinitionEmotional response or reactionPhysical perception or awareness
TypesEmotions, moods, attitudesSight, hearing, touch, taste, smell
SubjectivitySubjective, influenced by personal experiencesObjective, based on external stimuli
ProcessingProcessed in the brain's limbic systemProcessed in the brain's sensory cortex
ResponseEmotional reaction or behaviorPhysical reaction or behavior
Sense
Photo by shahin khalaji on Unsplash

Further Detail

Definition

Feel and sense are two words that are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings. Feel refers to the physical sensation experienced through touch, while sense refers to the perception of something through one of the five senses - sight, hearing, taste, smell, or touch. In other words, feel is more related to the tactile sensation, while sense encompasses a broader range of sensory experiences.

Physical vs. Cognitive

One key difference between feel and sense is that feel is more physical in nature, while sense is more cognitive. When we talk about feeling something, we are usually referring to a physical sensation on our skin or body. On the other hand, when we talk about sensing something, it can involve any of the five senses and often involves a mental interpretation of the sensory input.

Emotional vs. Rational

Another way to differentiate between feel and sense is in terms of emotions versus rationality. Feelings are often associated with emotions and intuition, while senses are more closely linked to rational thinking and logical processing of information. For example, we might say we have a gut feeling about something, but we use our senses to gather evidence and make informed decisions.

Subjectivity vs. Objectivity

Feelings are subjective and can vary from person to person based on their individual experiences and emotions. When we talk about how something feels, it is often a personal and unique experience. On the other hand, senses are more objective and can be measured or tested in a more standardized way. For example, we can objectively measure someone's sense of smell or taste, but how something feels to them is more subjective.

Immediate vs. Mediated

Feelings are often immediate and direct, occurring in real-time as a response to a stimulus. When we touch something hot, we immediately feel the sensation of heat. Senses, on the other hand, can be mediated by technology or other tools. For example, we can use a microscope to enhance our sense of sight or a hearing aid to improve our sense of hearing.

Instinct vs. Analysis

Feelings are often instinctual and intuitive, guiding us in the moment without much conscious thought. When we have a bad feeling about a situation, it is often based on instinct rather than analysis. Senses, on the other hand, involve more analysis and processing of information. We use our senses to gather data and make sense of the world around us in a more deliberate and systematic way.

Conclusion

In conclusion, feel and sense are two related but distinct concepts that play different roles in our sensory experiences and cognitive processes. Feel is more physical, emotional, subjective, immediate, and instinctual, while sense is more cognitive, rational, objective, mediated, and analytical. Understanding the differences between feel and sense can help us better appreciate the complexity of our sensory perceptions and how they shape our understanding of the world.

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