Final answer:
The quote from Robertson Davies implies that our perception is shaped by our mental readiness to understand our environment, suggesting that without the right mindset or knowledge, we might miss aspects of reality. Socrates echoes this by underlining the soul's clarity in perceiving truth versus its confusion in obscurity. Recognizing this can aid in developing critical thinking skills by encouraging us to reconsider our perceptions and beliefs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The quotation "The eyes see only what the mind is prepared to comprehend" by Robertson Davies suggests that our perception is limited not just by our sensory apparatus but also by our mental frameworks and expectations. This means that what we observe in the world is influenced by our prior knowledge, experiences, emotions, and understanding. If we expect to see a young woman in an ambiguous image, we may well see it that way, but if we were expecting an old woman, that is likely what we would perceive. Similarly, when presented with novel situations or information, we may not fully grasp what's before us until our mind adjusts or understands this new information.
Philosopher Socrates also points towards this idea, suggesting that when our soul or mind focuses on what is illuminated by truth, it can understand and possess clear understanding. However, when it turns to obscurity or variable things, it becomes uncertain and its opinions fluctuate. Understanding this concept is crucial for critical thinking, as it reminds us that our immediate perceptions may not always present a full or complete picture of reality. Thus, we should be open to reevaluating our perceptions and beliefs in light of new evidence or perspectives.