The role of the body in perceptual spatial representation
by Purton, Andrea Jean, Ph.D., UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT, 2009, 246 pages; 3393014

Abstract:

In this thesis I characterize a component of information carried by neural signals used in the perceptual system in the formation of spatial representations. I call that component of information “bodily information”. My claim is that in perception (in us and other terrestrial creatures), any information transferal from outside to inside the head has two components of variation, and bodily information is carried by one of those components. Bodily information has the character of measuring the body, and that measurement of the body is necessary for perceptual spatial perception.

Describing spatial perception in this way allows me to explain and predict otherwise perplexing phenomena, such as certain disruptions to the representation of space as found in spatial disorders and in artificial lab conditions. Describing the pick up and transfer of spatial information in term of bodily information also allows me to make a further claim in which I characterize the activity of certain processes in the brain as engaging in a form of identification.

 
Advisor
SchoolUNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT
SourceDAI/A 71-02, p. , Mar 2010
Source TypeDissertation
SubjectsPhilosophy; Cognitive psychology
Publication Number3393014
Adobe PDF Access the complete dissertation:
 

» Find an electronic copy at your library.
  Use the link below to access a full citation record of this graduate work:
  http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl%3furl_ver=Z39.88-2004%26res_dat=xri:pqdiss%26rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation%26rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:3393014
  If your library subscribes to the ProQuest Dissertations & Theses (PQDT) database, you may be entitled to a free electronic version of this graduate work. If not, you will have the option to purchase one, and access a 24 page preview for free (if available).

About ProQuest Dissertations & Theses
With over 2.3 million records, the ProQuest Dissertations & Theses (PQDT) database is the most comprehensive collection of dissertations and theses in the world. It is the database of record for graduate research.

The database includes citations of graduate works ranging from the first U.S. dissertation, accepted in 1861, to those accepted as recently as last semester. Of the 2.3 million graduate works included in the database, ProQuest offers more than 1.9 million in full text formats. Of those, over 860,000 are available in PDF format. More than 60,000 dissertations and theses are added to the database each year.

If you have questions, please feel free to visit the ProQuest Web site - http://www.proquest.com - or call ProQuest Hotline Customer Support at 1-800-521-3042.