Touch, representation, and blindness Book

Psychological studies of touch and blindness have been fraught with controversy. Is it necessary to explain perception in terms of representation and inferential processes? In addition, psychologists differ in the relative importance they place on the modality of sensory stimulation for subsequent perceptual experiences. Thus, some psychologists argue that touch can do many of the things that are accomplished by vision, and claim that the mode of sensory stimulation is not critically important for perception. Others suggest that there are important consequences of a lack of visual experience, arguing for the importance of multiple forms of sensory input for conceptual development. A deep theoretical split divides researchers in these areas. Many researchers adopt a cognitive orientation, relate research on touch and blindness to higher order processes, such as memory and concept formation. Others adopt a theoretical perspective, explaining perception without recourse to concepts like mind. As part of the Debates in Psychology Series, this book clarifies the issues which divide the field of touch.