The Perception & Action Podcast 527 – Turvey, Lectures on Perception: An Ecological Perspective, Chapters 1 and 2 (JC46)
Feb 18, 2025
In this discussion, Andrew Wilson, a researcher in ecological psychology, highlights Michael Turvey's groundbreaking concepts from his book on perception. They dive into ecological psychology, arguing for a holistic understanding of systems over traditional cognitive approaches. Wilson critiques classical dualism and the limitations of Newtonian mechanics while advocating for an observer-centric view of perception. The conversation emphasizes intentionality in behavior and the complexities of perception, setting the stage for future explorations in this fascinating field.
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Importance of Defining Systems
- Turvey establishes a foundational vocabulary for analyzing perceptual systems.
- This vocabulary helps identify shortcomings in existing theories and build stronger explanations.
Rocks vs. Systems
- A pile of rocks isn't a system because individual rocks remain unchanged when isolated.
- True systems have interdependent elements where the whole differs from the sum of its parts.
Whole System View
- Studying only parts of a system can lead to incorrect assumptions about memory and intelligence.
- Consider the whole system to avoid "magical" explanations of behavior.
