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Evolutionary internalized regularities
1Department of Philosophy, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53201, USA. schwartz@uwm.edu
The Behavioral and Brain Sciences
|June 7, 2002
Summary
This study questions the evolutionary basis and real-world application of Roger Shepard's kinematic geometry theory for motion perception. It examines the ecological validity of internalized constraints in everyday visual experiences.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Science
- Psychology
- Vision Science
Background:
- Roger Shepard's influential work proposes evolutionary internalized regularities.
- These regularities are significant in vision, psychology, and cognitive science.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the need, nature, explanatory role, and justification of internalized constraints.
- To clarify Shepard's claim that kinematic geometry underlies motion perception.
- To assess the ecological validity of Shepard's kinematic constraint for ordinary motion perception.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of Shepard's proposals and experimental evidence.
- Exploration of the analogy between circadian rhythms and kinematic geometry.
- Critique of applying apparent motion studies to everyday perception in complex environments.
Main Results:
- Questions raised about the interpretation and justification of applying experimental findings to real-world scenarios.
- Difficulties identified in Shepard's account of the evolutionary development of kinematic constraints.
Conclusions:
- The ecological validity of Shepard's kinematic constraint for everyday motion perception requires further clarification.
- Challenges exist in justifying the evolutionary development and application of internalized kinematic principles.
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