Perception / Edition 1

by Robert Schwartz

Overview

Perception presents classic essays on the conceptual and theoretical problems in the study of vision. In a style that is accessible to the non-expert, the volume lays out core issues in the theory of vision and then sets up a dialogue on the topics among philosophers and psychologists, past and present.

• Offers an accessible introduction to perception through key readings.
• Presents a dialogue among philosophers and psychologists on the science of perception.
• Contains a comprehensive introduction and provides suggestions for further reading.
• Useful for readers interested in philosophy, psychology, cognitive science, computer vision, and visual science.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780631224228
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	06/27/2003
Series:	Wiley Blackwell Readings in Philosophy , #2
Pages:	376
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

Robert Schwartz is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. He is the author of Vision: Variations on Some Berkeleian Themes (Blackwell, 1994), and has published widely on issues in cognition and perception.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments.

Introduction..

Part I: Historical Background.

Introduction.

1. From On The Soul (Aristotle).

2. From An Essay Towards A New Theory Of Vision (George Berkeley).

3. From Essays On The Intellectual Powers Of Man (Thomas Reid).

4. From The Philosophy Of The Enlightenment (Ernst Cassirer).

5. From Elements Of Physiology (Johannes Müller).

6. From Treatise On Physiological Optics (Hermann Von Helmholtz).

7. From Principles Of Gestalt Psychology (Kurt Koffka).

Part II: The Senses.

Introduction.

8. From The Senses Considered As Perceptual Systems And The Ecological Approach To Visual Perception (James J. Gibson).

9. From In And Out Of The Black Box (David W. Hamlyn).

10. From Perception And Cognition (John Heil).

11. From The Will (Brian O’Shaughnessy).

12. From The Analysis Of Sensation (Ernst Mach).

13. From Molyneux’s Question (Michael J. Morgan).

14. Molyneux’s Question (Gareth Evans).

Part III: Direct Versus Indirect Theories of Perception.

Introduction.

15. A Theory Of Direct Perception And From The Ecological Approach To Perception (James J. Gibson).

16. How Direct Is Visual Perception? (Jerry A. Fodor and Zenon W. Pylyshyn).

17. Inference In Perception (Irvin Rock).

18. Is The Visual System As Smart As It Looks? (Patricia Smith Churchland).

19. Tacit Assumptions In The Computational Study Of Vision (Simon Ullman).

20. ‘Why Do Things Look As They Do?’ (William Epstein).

Part IV: Perception and Conception.

Introduction.

21. Seeing, Believing, And Knowing (Fred Dretske).

22. From Wittgenstein (Robert Fogelin).

23. From Patterns Of Discovery (Norwood Russell Hanson).

24. Analogue Content (Christopher Peacocke).

25. Where Perceiving Ends And Thinking Begins (Elizabeth S. Spelke).

26. Seeing Is Believing – Or Is It? (Daniel C. Dennett).

Index.

Editorial Reviews

Perception is an outstanding introduction to the conceptual and theoretical problems of visual perception. Robert Schwartz has integrated a well-balanced collection of clear and thought-provoking writings from influential philosophers and psychologists, extending from Aristotle to the present. Perception is essential reading for students of the philosophy and psychology of visual perception.” Donald D. Hoffman, University of California, Irvine

“This anthology is unique in combining substantial readings in the psychology and philosophy of visual perception. Through judicious selection, it surveys the historical background from Aristotle to Koffka, then represents in depth the variety of contemporary issues and positions. It will serve as a strong backbone for courses in philosophy of perception or visual studies.” Gary Hatfield, University of Pennsylvania

From the Publisher