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Perceptual Theory and Epistemological Dualism: Some Examples from Experimental Psychology

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Abstract

Some recent explanatory models in perceptual psychology of the relation between stimulus input and perceptual processes are analyzed. It is suggested that the use of representational models logically entails an epistemological dualism between perceiver and perceived. The paper concludes by suggesting that dualistic models in perceptual theory are conceptually avoidable once it is recognized that these models are simply methodological postulates rather than necessary presuppositions.

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This paper was prepared with the assistance of Grant No. 9406–57, awarded by the Research Council of the University of Dayton.

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Tibbetts, P. Perceptual Theory and Epistemological Dualism: Some Examples from Experimental Psychology. Psychol Rec 22, 401–411 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03394107

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