Abstract
In considerations about the spatial structures of sensory experiences an ‘Externality Thesis’ is commonly proposed according to which awareness of sensory boundaries is also an awareness that there is a space beyond these boundaries. For instance, in the case of vision, it is proposed that awareness of boundaries of the visual field is also an awareness that visual space is a part of a larger space. Similarly, it is believed that when having bodily sensations we are not only aware that something happens within the boundaries of our body, but also that the body is an object positioned in a larger space. The paper evaluates the Externality Thesis both in the context of vision and bodily sensations. More specifically, relying on mereotopological theories, it is shown that the notion of spatial boundaries is ambiguous as it encompasses various distinct ways in which entities may be connected by a boundary. It is argued that only some of these ways are able to support the Externality Thesis. In particular, it is claimed that while bodily boundaries of which one is aware in tactile sensations are such that the awareness of them provide support for the Externality Thesis, the analogous claim is not true about boundaries of the visual field.
How to attend
This is a read-ahead seminar. The meetings have a hybrid format. We meet in person in GM 467 and digitally on Zoom (Zoom login required).
The meeting link, along with a copy of the paper to be discussed, will be made available in advance via the mailing list.