Which philosopher is associated with the idea that true wisdom cannot be gained through the senses?

The idea that true wisdom cannot be gained through the senses is most closely associated with Parmenides. Parmenides argued that our sensory experiences are deceptive and that they only provide us with an illusory understanding of reality. He posited that true knowledge comes from rational thought and reason rather than empirical observation. This view emphasizes a distinction between the changing world perceived through the senses and the unchanging, eternal truths that can be comprehended through intellectual insight.

In contrast, other philosophers mentioned have different views; for instance, Heraclitus is known for his notion of constant change in the universe and the importance of sensory experience in understanding it. Zeno is primarily recognized for his paradoxes that challenge our understanding of motion and plurality, but he does not specifically deny the role of senses in gaining knowledge. Plato also had a complex relationship with the senses, promoting the idea of the forms as true knowledge but still acknowledging the role of sensory experience in our journey toward that knowledge. Therefore, Parmenides stands out for his clear assertion that wisdom transcends sensory perception.