Sensate vs. Sense

Attribute	Sensate	Sense
Definition	Relating to or affecting the senses	Any of the faculties, as sight, hearing, smell, taste, or touch, by which humans and animals perceive stimuli originating from outside or inside the body
Usage	Typically used in philosophical or psychological contexts	Commonly used in everyday language
Philosophical Concept	Associated with empiricism and materialism	Can be related to epistemology and metaphysics
Perception	Focuses on sensory experiences	Includes both sensory and extrasensory perception

Definition

Sensate and sense are two words that are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings. Sensate refers to the physical senses, such as touch, taste, smell, sight, and hearing. It is related to the sensory experience of the world around us. On the other hand, sense can refer to a variety of things, including common sense, emotional intelligence, or the ability to perceive or understand something.

Physical vs. Mental

One key difference between sensate and sense is that sensate is more focused on the physical world, while sense can encompass both physical and mental aspects. Sensate experiences are those that we can physically feel or perceive through our senses, such as the warmth of the sun on our skin or the taste of a delicious meal. Sense, on the other hand, can refer to our ability to make rational decisions, understand emotions, or perceive the world in a deeper way.

Perception

Another difference between sensate and sense is in how they relate to perception. Sensate is more about the immediate sensory experience, while sense is about the interpretation and understanding of that experience. For example, when we touch something hot, our sensate experience is the feeling of heat on our skin. Our sense, however, tells us that the object is dangerous and we should remove our hand to avoid getting burned.

Emotional Intelligence

Sense is often associated with emotional intelligence, which is the ability to understand and manage our own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. This is a key aspect of sense that goes beyond the physical senses. Emotional intelligence allows us to navigate social situations, build relationships, and make decisions based on more than just our immediate sensory experiences. Sensate, on the other hand, is more focused on the physical sensations we experience in the world around us.

Common Sense

Another aspect of sense is common sense, which is the ability to make practical decisions based on sound judgment and reasoning. Common sense is not related to the physical senses, but rather to our ability to think logically and make decisions that are in our best interest. Sensate experiences may inform our common sense decisions, but they are not the same thing. Common sense is more about using our sense to navigate the world in a practical and rational way.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while sensate and sense are related in that they both involve perception and understanding, they are distinct concepts with different attributes. Sensate is more focused on the physical senses and immediate sensory experiences, while sense encompasses a broader range of abilities, including emotional intelligence, common sense, and deeper understanding. Both are important aspects of how we interact with the world around us, but they serve different purposes and play different roles in our lives.