York University, Toronto
May 10-11, 2018
When we perceive, we employ perceptual capacities by means of which we discriminate particulars in our environment. When we see the red shade of an apple we employ our capacity to discriminate red from other colors. More generally, we might say that to be a perceiver is to possess certain capacities, to perceive is to employ those capacities, and employing perceptual capacities constitutes perceptual states. One central perceptual capacity enables the discrimination of magnitudes such as area, density, and numerosity. On the one hand, psychologists have been studying how the perceptual system manages to discriminate magnitudes, and which magnitudes it discriminates. On the other hand, philosophers have been analyzing what perceptual capacities are, and how magnitudes are discriminated in perceptual experience. These workshops will bring psychologists and philosophers together to exchange ideas for the purpose of understanding perceptual capacities in general, and the perceptual capacity to discriminate magnitudes more specifically.
Confirmed Speakers
Richard Murray, Department of Psychology, York University
Darko Odic, Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia
Christopher Peacocke, Department of Philosophy, Columbia University
Diana Raffman, Department of Philosophy, University of Toronto
Susanna Schellenberg, Department of Philosophy, Rutgers University
One or two additional speaking slots for each workshop will be reserved for young scholars (operationally defined as anyone who had not earned a Ph.D. as of January 1, 2013), to be filled on a competitive basis. Authors of selected submissions will have their travel costs reimbursed up to CAD $1,000.
Philosophers who are young scholars are asked to submit papers not to exceed 3,000 words.
Psychologists and other scientists who are young scholars are asked to submit an extended abstract not to exceed 1,500 words.
Submissions should be single-spaced, blinded, and emailed to capacities.magnitudes@gmail.com with the subject line “Workshop Submission.” PDFs preferred. Please include an abstract of no more than 150 words. Submissions will be evaluated on the basis of their quality, relevance, and fit with the rest of the program.
Deadline for Submissions: March 10, 2018.
The York Workshop is generously supported by York’s Department of Philosophy, Vision: Science to Applications (VISTA) Program, Centre for Vision Research, and Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies.