A better understanding of inference can reconcile constructivist and direct theories

2002 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 99-99 ◽  
Author(s):  
Myron L. Braunstein
Keyword(s):  
Constructivist Theory ◽  
Direct Perception ◽  
Perceptual Theory ◽  
Physiological Systems

The attempt to relate distinctions in perceptual theory to different physiological systems leads to numerous exceptions and inconsistencies. A more promising approach to the reconciliation of constructivist theory and direct perception is to recognize that perception does involve inference, as the constructivists insist, but that inference is a process in logic that does not require unconscious reasoning and need be no more thought-like than resonance.

A Mechanism for the Direct Perception of Change: The Example of Bacterial Chemotaxis

Perception ◽  
1988 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 119-133 ◽  
Author(s):  
John B Pittenger ◽  
Cathy H Dent
Keyword(s):  
Explanatory Power ◽  
Bacterial Chemotaxis ◽  
Chemical Processes ◽  
Direct Perception ◽  
Relative Simplicity ◽  
Perceptual Theory ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
Growing Body ◽  
The Relationship

The relationship between the behavior of single-celled organisms and cognition in higher animals is explored. Recent research and theory in bacterial chemotaxis are presented, together with a discussion of the implications of chemotaxis for perceptual theory. A number of parallels between chemotaxis and perception in higher organisms are drawn. It is suggested that Koshland's model of the chemical processes controlling chemotaxis is an example of a mechanism for direct perception of change and can help elucidate Runeson's work on ‘smart mechanisms’ of perception. It is argued, more generally, that the growing body of knowledge about the perceptual activities of lower organisms should be used to broaden the factual base on which theories of perception are constructed: eg explication of perceptual parallels between humans and lower organisms should help clarify the nature of these phenomena in humans and, perhaps, help in the development of theories of greater generality. Also, the debate between direct and indirect theories of perception may be advanced by analysis of the specific mechanisms used by lower organisms. Contrasts to mediated perception are pointed out and arguments for the relative simplicity and explanatory power of theories of direct perception are provided.

Are the dorsal/ventral pathways sufficiently distinct to resolve perceptual theory?

2002 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 96-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
George J. Andersen
Keyword(s):  
Visual Processing ◽  
Visual Information ◽  
Ventral Stream ◽  
Central Issue ◽  
Direct Perception ◽  
Perceptual Theory ◽  
Psychophysical Studies

The author argues that the theory of a dorsal/ventral stream for visual processing can be used to reconcile the constructivist and direct perception theories. My commentary discusses neurophysiological and psychophysical studies that run counter to the view. In addition, the central issue of debate between the constructionist and direct perception approaches regarding what is visual information is discussed.

Dissociation and Loss of Background: A Test of the Perceptual Theory of Dissociation

1996 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald Beere ◽  
Gerald Fuller ◽  
Lara Maurer ◽  
Michael Pica
Keyword(s):  
Perceptual Theory

Narrative Empathie und der ethische Wert der Perspektiveneinnahme

2018 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanne Schmetkamp
Keyword(s):  
Perspective Taking ◽  
Phenomenological Approach ◽  
Moral Emotions ◽  
Direct Perception ◽  
Epistemic Situation ◽  
Fictional Character ◽  
Moral Value

Narrative Empathie liegt dann vor, wenn der empathische Nachvollzugsprozess der (emotionalen, epistemischen) Situationen anderer Personen oder fiktiver Figuren durch ein Narrativ, das heißt eine sinnzusammenhängende Erzählung, ausgelöst und strukturiert wird. Der Aufsatz knüpft an den phänomenologischen Ansatz von Empathie als direkte Wahrnehmung an, vertritt aber die These, dass gerade bei Narrativen die Imagination und die Perspektiveneinnahme hinzukommen müssen, damit retrospektiv, prospektiv oder gegenwärtig die Situation des Anderen und seiner individuellen Perspektive vergegenwärtigt und verstanden werden kann. Der narrativen Empathie wird ein indirekter ethischer Wert zugeschrieben: Durch das empathisch anschauliche Anteilnehmen am Narrativ des Anderen und einen damit verbundenen Perspektivwechsel können auch unsere eigenen Perspektiven erweitert werden; dies kann zu besserem Verständnis ungewohnter Sichtweisen führen und moralische Gefühle und Handlungen motivieren. Narrative empathy is the complex re-presentation of an (emotional, epistemic) situation of another person or a fictional character by means of a narrative, which is a structured and perspectively colored context of meaning. The paper sympathizes with the phenomenological approach of empathy as direct perception though at the same time arguing that in cases of (literary, filmic, dramatic) narratives imagination and perspective-taking is also needed in order to be able to comprehend and to understand the other’s situation retrospectively, prospectively or at present. According to the author, narrative empathy has an indirect moral value: the vivid empathetic participation in the other’s narrative and the process of perspective-taking can help to broaden one’s horizons; this can lead to a better understanding of unfamiliar and other worldviews and motivate moral emotions and actions.

Using reflection. Mentoring midwifery students in India

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Glenda Hawley ◽  
Anthony Tuckett
Keyword(s):  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Cultural Awareness ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Constructivist Theory ◽  
Clinical Placements ◽  
Teaching And Learning Strategies ◽  
Global Health Care ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose: This study aims to offer guidance to lecturers and undergraduate midwifery students in using reflective practice and to offer a roadmap for academic staff accompanying undergraduate midwifery students on international clinical placements. Design: Drawing on reflection within the Constructivist Theory, the Gibbs Reflective Cycle (GRC) provides opportunities to review experiences and share new knowledge by working through five stages—feelings, evaluation, analysis, conclusion and action plan. Findings:  The reflections of the midwifery students in this study provide insight into expectations prior to leaving for international placement, practical aspects of what local knowledge is beneficial, necessary teaching and learning strategies and the students’ cultural awareness growth. Implications: The analysis and a reflective approach have wider implications for universities seeking to improve preparations when embarking on an international clinical placement. It can also inform practices that utilise reflection as an impetus to shape midwifery students to be more receptive to global health care issues. 

Oxford Cases in Medicine and Surgery

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hugo Farne ◽  
Edward Norris-Cervetto ◽  
James Warbrick-Smith
Keyword(s):  
Chest Pain ◽  
Case History ◽  
Clinical Medicine ◽  
Real Life ◽  
General Medicine ◽  
Diagnostic Approach ◽  
History Taking ◽  
Presenting Symptoms ◽  
Essential Resource ◽  
Physiological Systems

Oxford Cases in Medicine and Surgery, second edition, teaches students a logical step-by-step diagnostic approach to common patient presentations. This approach mirrors that used by successful clinicians on the wards, challenging students with questions at each stage of a case (history-taking, examination, investigation, management). In tackling these questions, students understand how to critically analyse information and learn to integrate their existing knowledge to a real-life scenario from start to finish. Each chapter focuses on a common presenting symptom (e.g. chest pain). By starting with a symptom, mirroring real life settings, students learn to draw on their knowledge of different physiological systems - for example, cardiology, respiratory, gastroenterology - at the same time. All the major presenting symptoms in general medicine and surgery are covered, together with a broad range of pathologies. This book is an essential resource for all medicine students, and provides a modern, well-rounded introduction to life on the wards. Ideal for those starting out in clinical medicine and an ideal refresher for those revising for OSCEs and finals.

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