LTT: D. Burntson

Title:  Rich, non-conceptual sensorimotor representation

Abstract:  The relationship between percepts and concepts is hugely important for both psychology and philosophy.  Perceptions are often considered to be non-conceptual, but generally it is assumed that non-conceptual representations can only be of simple perceptual features and aggregations of them – anything categorical, relational, or abstract must be the domain of concepts and knowledge.  I challenge that assumption in this talk.  Drawing on what I call “extended sensorimotor spaces,” I show that such “rich” representations are both non-conceptual and a proper part of perceptual and motor function.  I then show how these representations contribute to important aspects of our mental lives, including complex scene recognition, action control, and practical deliberation.

This talk will also be available live streamed on You Tube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrRp47ZMXD7NXO3a9Gyh2sg.