Understanding Perception: Illusions, Constancies, and Reality
Closure in Perception
Closure is the tendency to perceive incomplete figures as complete. We “close” or fill in the missing parts to see a whole.
Continuity in Perception
We tend to group or separate stimuli to maintain a harmonious continuity.
Perceptual Constancies
Although objects constantly change in position, distance, and color, we perceive them as stable and unchanging.
Form Constancy
The tendency to perceive that objects have the same shape despite changes in their position.
Size Constancy
When viewing the same object at different distances, the object is interpreted as further (or closer), and it is perceived as smaller (or larger).
Conclusion on Size
If two objects project an image of the same size on the retina (at different distances), the closer one appears smaller.
Color Constancy
Despite changes in lighting, the color of objects seems to remain stable. The brain interprets the color consistently.
Optical Illusions vs. Hallucinations
An optical illusion is produced by a real object. There is a real object that produces this illusion. A hallucination is perceiving an object that is not actually present.
The Problem of Perception
Perception is a relationship between a subject and an object. The subject is the perceiver, and the object is what is perceived. This relationship is direct, as there is nothing between them. The perceiver has constraints (internal and external) that influence their perception, so this perception is always influenced. We do not perceive things as they are, but as conditioned by our senses (eyes, touch, etc.).
Determining Truth in Perception
The problem lies in the subject who perceives. A solution must lie outside of us, not within. The solution is to find a tool that mediates between the object and us, assuring us that the object’s image is accurate. This tool must be universal. Science provides a solution to the problems of perception. Science helps us determine whether our perception is closer to reality, but not quite perfect. Science is the only tool that provides an objective view of what we are seeing.
The Problem of Appearance and Reality: Plato
Plato was the first philosopher to address the problem of perception. He explained this through the myth of the cave, which illustrates the difference between perception and reality. Two slaves are tied from birth in a cave, and all they see is what they receive through their senses. One slave is freed and realizes that what he has been seeing is a reflection of what truly exists. He returns to tell his partner, who does not believe him and kills him because he refuses to accept that reality is different from his perception.
Conclusion on Plato’s Cave
The difficulty in conveying truth to someone who is confused is called bigotry (an irritating, excessive, and persistent passion, particularly for a religious or political cause).
Bigotry is an irritating, unrestrained, and persistent passion, particularly for a religious or political cause.