Perception in the context of Action and Cognition (030116-WiSe22/23)

The key question is: What is the nature of perception? We start with an overview of different theoretical approaches characterizing perception either (a) as an input module which should be separated from cognition and action (the so-called sandwich model) or (b) as an ability which is coupled with action such that we always need to account for interdependencies of perception-action and cognition (coupling model). After clarifying the theoretical framework we focus on discussing different central dimensions of perception: (1) the phenomenological perspective: What is constitutive of visual perception? What is its relation to touch? What is the difference between perception and imagination? And what the one between picture perception and ordinary perception of objects in the flesh? What is perceptual presence? (2) the perception-action interdependence: How does perception guide action? Does action influence perception? Can perception be a form of action? How do we spot affordances, i.e. action possibilities? (3) The cognition-perception interdependence: Is perception decoupled from (higher-order) cognition like beliefs, desires, conceptual representations? Can it be shaped or influenced by cognition (cognitive penetration)? At what level does this influence occur? The seminar aims to discuss these three systematic perspectives and provide an overview of the recent debates.