The five senses and the cognitivist approach to perception

Nov 8, 2021·
Danièle Dubois
,
Caroline Cance
Matt Coler
Matt Coler
,
Arthur Paté
· 1 min read
Abstract
This chapter examines the historical context and limitations of the traditional cognitivist approach to perception based on the five senses model. Drawing from multidisciplinary research developed between 1980 and the present, the authors position their work relative to mainstream cognitive science while identifying the conceptual limitations they had to overcome. Rather than attempting a comprehensive history of the senses across all disciplines, the chapter focuses on the authors’ experiences in developing meaningful sensory research that moves beyond conventional frameworks.
Type
Publication
In Sensory Experiences: Exploring meaning and the senses

This introductory chapter in the book Sensory Experiences: Exploring meaning and the senses (John Benjamins Publishing Company) explores the theoretical foundations and limitations of the traditional five senses model and cognitivist approaches to perception.

The authors contextualize their research journey and the evolution of their thinking about sensory perception over several decades. This chapter lays the groundwork for the paradigm shift explored throughout the book, setting up the contrast between conventional approaches to sensory research and the more integrated, situated framework that the authors develop in subsequent chapters.

This work represents an important contribution to understanding the historical context of sensory research and the evolution of theoretical frameworks in cognitive science.

Sensory Experiences Cognitive Science
Matt Coler
Authors
Matt Coler
Associate Professor of Speech Technology