A Multisensory Philosophy of Perception

People use multiple senses to navigate and learn about the world, but most theories of perception are unisensory. This book offers a revisionist multisensory philosophy of perception that considers how our senses work together and how one sense can impact another, leading to surprising perceptual illusions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2021
Publisher: Oxford University Press

People often perceive the world through multiple senses. When we go for a walk, we observe vibrant colors and dynamic motion, listen to the lively chatter of people and the rhythmic footsteps, inhale the earthy scent of petrichor after a rain shower, and feel the gentle breeze or the touch of a shoulder. We rely on our senses in tandem to navigate and gain insights into the surrounding environment.

However, scientists and philosophers have traditionally focused on studying one sense at a time. Almost all theories of perception assume a unisensory nature. This book presents a revolutionary multisensory philosophy of perception. Casey O Callaghan delves into the intricate interplay of our senses, contrasting their separate and independent functions and exploring how one sense can influence another, resulting in intriguing perceptual illusions.

He argues that the joint use of multiple senses opens up new avenues for perception and experience, such as multisensory rhythms, movements, and flavors that enhance the aesthetic appreciation of music, dance, and culinary delights. By embracing a multisensory perspective, we can deepen our understanding of the world and unlock a realm of sensory richness that enriches our lives.

Weight: 292g
Dimension: 215 x 134 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192859631