The Perception of Causality / Edition 1

by Albert Michotte

Overview

Originally published in 1963, this is a classic work on the psychology of perception. By means of suitable patterns on a partly concealed rotating disc Michotte was able to give the impression of objects in movement; and where certain conditions of speed, position, and time-interval were satisfied, his subjects received the impression of a causal interaction between two objects – for example, the impression that one object has ‘bumped into’ another (the ‘Launching Effect’) or is carrying it along (the ‘Entraining Effect’). In a further group of experiments Michotte studies the conditions in which moving objects look as though they are alive.

A large number of experiments are described, and on the basis of them Michotte formulates a theory as to the conditions in which causal impressions occur. He also compares his own views on causality with those of Hume, Maine de Biran, and Piaget.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781138698420
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	03/12/2019
Series:	Psychology Library Editions: Perception
Pages:	452
Product dimensions:	5.44(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

Table of Contents

Foreword by Professor R.C. Oldfield. Preface to the English Edition. Translators’ Glossary. Author’s Note. Introduction. 1. The Problem 2. The Experimental Apparatus Mechanical Causality Part 1: The Launching Effect 3. The Segregative Influence of the Objects 4. The Polarising Influence of the Objects 5. The Phenomenal Aspect of the Objects 6. Spatio-Temporal Integration 7. The Speeds and the Hierarchisation of the Movements 8. The Launching Effect seen as a Whole Part 2: The Entraining Effect 9. The Structural Organisation of the Entraining Effect 10. Launching-by-Expulsion 11. Propulsion 12. Animal Locomotion 13. Tactile-Kinaesthetic Perception of Mechanical Causality 14. Ampliation of the Movement Qualitative Causality 15. Movement of One Object linked with Qualitative Change in Another 16. The Linking of Qualitative Changes in Two Objects The Origin of the Idea of Causality 17. Critical Reflections on Different Theories Appendices 1. A Special Case of Propulsion: the Trace-making Effect 2. Theory of Phenomenal Causality. New Perspectives Commentary (by T.R. Miles). References. Index of Authors. Index of Subjects.