The Ecological Approach to Visual Perception
The Ecological Approach to Visual Perception
James J. Gibson
Jordan Peterson
One of the most influential books I ever read. - Jordan Peterson
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The Ecological Approach to Visual Perception

The Ecological Approach to Visual Perception

James J. Gibson
By
James J. Gibson
4.3
242
ratings on Goodreads

In "The Ecological Approach to Visual Perception," James J. Gibson revolutionizes our understanding of how we perceive the world around us. This seminal work delves beyond the traditional confines of visual perception, rooted merely in the functionalities of the eye and brain, to explore a more holistic system where vision is an integrative process involving the entire body and its interaction with the environment. Gibson posits that our perception is not a passive reception of visual stimuli but an active engagement with our surroundings. His theory illuminates the intricate relationship between the observer and the observed, where movement, texture, color, and spatial relationships come together to form a dynamic perception of the world. Gibson's exploration transcends the mere mechanics of seeing, venturing into how we understand and navigate our environment. He argues that vision is fundamental in recognizing opportunities for action within our surroundings, enabling us to perform tasks and recognize the utility of objects around us. The book challenges the reader to see vision not just as a sensory experience but as a rich interaction that is grounded in the physical world. Through engaging prose, Gibson invites us on a journey to re-evaluate the act of seeing, offering profound insights into the natural vision that shapes our perception, informs our actions, and ultimately, defines our reality.

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Released
1979
1 Jan
Length
332
Pages

1

recommendations

recommendation

One of the most influential books I ever read. - Jordan Peterson
But, actually, an affordance is neither an objective property nor a subjective property; or it is both if you like. An affordance cuts across the dichotomy of subjective-objective and helps us to understand its inadequacy. It is equally a fact of the environment and a fact of behavior. It is both physical and psychical, yet neither. An affordance points both ways, to the environment and to the observer.
— James J. Gibson, The Ecological Approach to Visual Perception

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