PHIL 211 - Perception and Action

Semester Offered: Second Semester
Full Course
Credits: 4 credits
Attribute: 4SS

To what extent is the way we perceive the world through the senses shaped by our actions, interests, and goals? Proponents of action-based theories of perception insist that we cannot understand an organism?s sensory perspective without understanding its distinctive form of life?its behavioral adaptations and ecological niche. In this course we explore influential action-based theories of perception from Berkeley?s new theory of vision in the 18th century to contemporary ?ecological? and ?enactivist? approaches to perception. A section of the course is devoted specifically to aesthetic perception and the Kantian idea that aesthetic engagement is independent of needs and interests.

Enrollment Limit: 40
Instructor: T. Ganson

Consent of the Instructor Required: Yes