Perception and imagination: amodal perception as mental imagery

Philosophical Studies 150 (2):239-254 (2010)
  Copy   BIBTEX

Abstract

When we see an object, we also represent those parts of it that are not visible. The question is how we represent them: this is the problem of amodal perception. I will consider three possible accounts: (a) we see them, (b) we have non-perceptual beliefs about them and (c) we have immediate perceptual access to them, and point out that all of these views face both empirical and conceptual objections. I suggest and defend a fourth account, according to which we represent the occluded parts of perceived objects by means of mental imagery. This conclusion could be thought of as a (weak) version of the Strawsonian dictum, according to which “imagination is a necessary ingredient of perception itself”.

Author's Profile

Bence Nanay
University of Antwerp

Analytics

Added to PP
2009-04-27

Downloads
1,565 (#5,803)

6 months
294 (#6,218)

Historical graph of downloads since first upload
This graph includes both downloads from PhilArchive and clicks on external links on PhilPapers.
How can I increase my downloads?