ILLUSION OF ILLUSION

illusion of illusion: translation

   An expression introduced in or shortly before 1998 by the French research scientist Jacques Ninio (b. 1942) to denote a bizarre perceptual phenomenon, usually reported by an author in support of a cherished idea, that proves to be unfounded. An example of an illusion mentioned by Ninio is the notion put forward by the Greek philosopher Aristotle (384-322 BC) that "the yellow we see in the rainbow is not really there, but an appearance resulting from the juxtaposition of red and green". This notion is at variance with spectrometric findings and is therefore considered an illusion of illusion.

   References

   Ninio, J. (2001). The science ofillusions.Trans-lated by Philip, F. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press.