Helmholtz distinguished synthetic from analytic perception of sensations

Evidence

We … become aware that two different kinds or grades must be distinguished in our becoming conscious of a sensation. The lower grade of this consciousness, is that where the influence of the sensation in question makes itself felt only in the conceptions we form of external things and processes, and assists in determining them. This can take place without our needing or indeed being able to ascertain to what particular part of our sensations we owe this or that relation of our perceptions. In this case we will say that the impression of the sensation in question is perceived synthetically. The second and higher grade is when we immediately distinguish the sensation in question as an existing of the sum of the sensations excited in us. We will say then that the sensation is perceived analytically. The two cases must be carefully distinguished from each other. — Eric J. Heller, Why You Hear What You Hear- An…, 2062

Categorization

• DEFINE: Defines Helmholtz’s foundational and commonly used distinction between synthetic and analytic perception.
• CANDY: A clean two-part distinction, quotable in conversation.