Vision: Variations on Some Berkeleian Themes

by Robert Schwartz

This work examines longstanding problems in the theory of vision. Each section begins by looking at the issues as they are raised and discussed in Bishop Berkeley's classic, An Essay Towards a New Theory of Vision. Based on this historical background, as well as on current research in the psychology of vision, new approaches and solutions to these problems are offered. Schwartz traces the implications of Berkeley's views on distance perceptions. He critically examines recent theories of size perception and the claim that processes of inference play a role in perception. The author attempts to explicate and clarify the concept of perceptual inference in order to resolve or dissolve the persistent controversies surrounding its use. He concludes with an extended analysis of the views of J.J. Gibson, questioning the empirical significance of arguments for and against Gibson's celebrated doctrine of direct perception.

162 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1993

Reviews

[Frantisek Spinka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional in merging historical perspectives, philosophical themes and scientific points of view. Necessary for everybody who is interested in sophisticated yet not dogmatic reflections on our faculty of vision and space perception.