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Why do we claim to have only five senses when it is obvious that we have more?

Asked by phoenyx (7401points) February 11th, 2010

The five senses being sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch.

It’s not that simple, though, is it? When I touch a hot pan I’m experiencing it tactilely, but I’m also sensing the heat of the pan (thermoception) and pain. Our skin can sense a lot.

I can close my eyes and still touch my nose (propioception).

I can stand up and I don’t fall over because I have a sense of balance. My vestibular system also helps me feel linear acceleration, angular momentum, and orientation.

I can estimate intervals of time.

There are probably even more that I’m not thinking of right now.

Why do we ignore them?

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