ABSTRACT

Cognitive Penetration holds that cognitive states and processes, specifically propositional attitudes (e.g., beliefs), sometimes directly impact features of perceptual experiences (e.g., the coloring of an object). In contrast, more traditional views hold that propositional attitudes do not directly impact perceptual experiences, but rather are only involved in interpreting or judging these experiences. Understandably, Cognitive Penetration is controversial and has been criticized on both theoretical and empirical grounds. I focus on defending it from the latter kind of objection and in doing so, highlight important features of Cognitive Penetration mechanisms and effects. I first sketch promising criteria for Cognitive Penetration and then address widespread Replication and Demonstration worries about purported instances of it. Next, I present one of the most compelling Cognitive Penetration studies and address specific objections against it and others. I demonstrate that each of these objections misunderstands important features of either Cognitive Penetration mechanisms or the specific studies to which they are applied. Ultimately, I conclude that multiple key studies are not undermined by these objections and continue to provide support for Cognitive Penetration. Correcting these misunderstandings bolsters empirical support for Cognitive Penetration and contributes to a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in perceptual processing.

摘要

认知渗透认为认知状态和过程，特别是命题态度（例如，信念），有时会直接影响知觉体验的特征（例如，物体的颜色）。相比之下，更传统的观点认为，命题态度并不直接影响知觉体验，而只是参与解释或判断这些体验。可以理解，认知渗透是有争议的，并且在理论和实证方面都受到批评。我专注于捍卫它免受后一种反对，并在这样做时强调认知渗透机制和效果的重要特征。我首先勾勒出认知渗透的有前途的标准，然后解决普遍存在的复制和示范对所谓的认知渗透实例的担忧。下一个，我介绍了一项最引人注目的认知渗透研究，并解决了针对它和其他人的具体反对意见。我证明这些反对意见中的每一个都误解了认知渗透机制或它们所应用的具体研究的重要特征。最终，我得出结论，多项关键研究并没有被这些反对意见所削弱，并继续为认知渗透提供支持。纠正这些误解可以加强对认知渗透的实证支持，并有助于更好地理解感知处理中涉及的机制。我证明这些反对意见中的每一个都误解了认知渗透机制或它们所应用的具体研究的重要特征。最终，我得出结论，多项关键研究并没有被这些反对意见所削弱，并继续为认知渗透提供支持。纠正这些误解可以加强对认知渗透的实证支持，并有助于更好地理解感知处理中涉及的机制。我证明这些反对意见中的每一个都误解了认知渗透机制或它们所应用的具体研究的重要特征。最终，我得出结论，多项关键研究并没有被这些反对意见所削弱，并继续为认知渗透提供支持。纠正这些误解可以加强对认知渗透的实证支持，并有助于更好地理解感知处理中涉及的机制。