The phenomenology of sensorimotor understanding
pp. 53-65
in: Andrew O. Martin (ed), Contemporary sensorimotor theory, Berlin, Springer, 2014Abstract
This paper draws on Maurice Merleau-Ponty's philosophy to sketch a phenomenological interpretation of sensorimotor understanding. I begin by situating Noë's enactive theory of vision in relation to Husserlian phenomenology. I then raise three related objections to Noë's treatment of sensorimotor understanding in terms of practical knowledge of possibilities for action. Finally, I appeal to Phenomenology of Perception to show how two of its major operative concepts – the "body schema' and "sedimentation' – can help to plug the gaps in Noë's account.
