μετὰ τὰ ϕυσικά: Vision Far Beyond Physics.

Area of Science:

• Vision Science
• Perceptual Psychology
• Experimental Phenomenology

Background:

• Traditional Vision Science research is limited to controlled laboratory settings, reducing natural perceptual variables.
• Studying psychophysical, neurophysiological, and phenomenological aspects of vision in natural environments remains challenging.
• Current understanding of natural vision is constrained by methodological limitations in open scenery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address controversial aspects of Vision Science, including the interplay of primary and secondary visual processes.
• To investigate the role of visual imagination in perception and factors influencing the perception of ambiguity and atmosphere.
• To explore novel approaches and "laboratories" for studying subjective vision and perception in natural settings.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing experimental phenomenology and pictorial art as a framework for perceptual analysis.
• Conducting a case study analyzing a painting to demonstrate copresent perceptual and mental visual processes.
• Measuring color and light in specific painting zones using Natural Color System notation cards.

Main Results:

• The study highlights the copresence of distinct visual phenomena and mental processes in natural vision.
• Analysis of pictorial art provides insights into the factors governing visual ambiguity and emotional atmosphere.
• Demonstrates the feasibility of analyzing natural visual experiences through complementary methods.

Conclusions:

• Vision Science needs to expand beyond laboratory confines to encompass natural visual experiences.
• Integrating experimental phenomenology and art analysis offers new avenues for studying subjective vision.
• Further research is needed to develop and validate methods for open-scenery visual perception studies.