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.