Vision: Variations on Some Berkeleian Themes

This book 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. This book is unique in its blend of philosophical and historical perspectives on contemporary issues in vision studies. Clearly written, it is intended for an interdisciplinary readership in philosophy of mind, philosophy of science, cognitive psychology, and history of science.

Introduction. Essay I: Seeing Distance. Essay II: Size. Essay III: Perceptual Inference. Essay IV: A Gibsonian Alternative?. Bibliography. Index.

Robert Schwartz is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee.

"A penetrating and persistent effort to clarify concepts involved in Berkeley′s work on vision results here in an illuminating critique of a large body of philosophical writing." Nelson Goodman, Harvard University " Vision is written engagingly and with exemplary clarity, and will surely appeal to a wide audience. This important book is must reading for anybody interested in the study of vision." David M. Rosenthal, The City University of New York " Vision is an exciting combination of historical and contemporary explorations of philosophical issues about our most studied sense. The book will be valuable to anyone with interests in philosophical questions about perception." Richard E. Grandy, Rice University "This book by a philosopher is much more than an essay clarifying Berkeley′s ideas about vision. It is clearly reasoned, beautifully written analysis of the problems and contemporary theories of perception. It is a powerful critique of current assumptions about the perception of distance, size, constancy, the moon illusion, the concept of inference and the "Gibsonian alternative", among other topics. The clarity of Schwartz′s thinking and formulations is inspiring. I recommend the book to all my colleagues in the fields of vision and perception. Professor Irvin Rock, University of California, Berkeley "An enjoyable and educational read, and should appeal to lecturers and students in perception, cognition, philosophy, and history of science." Perception "Highly recommended." Choice "Schwartz has written a beautifully clear book, one which it is a pleasure to read, and there is much to learn from what he has to say about the issues set out." Mind