Appearance of Structure and Emergence of Meaning in the Visual System

Abstract

Discusses a synergetic approach to mind-brain dynamics by outlining different neurobiological and neuropsychological levels of analysis. First, examples are provided of the acknowledged disparities between cognitive mind versus biological brain processes. Synergetics is described as a new interdisciplinary research field that utilizes specific theoretical and mathematical tools to better elucidate mind-brain interactions. The synergetic viewpoint assumes that the brain is a self-organizing complex system that relies on the existence of non-linear phase transitions, and is subject to circular causality between microscopic and macroscopic processes. Empirical hypotheses are derived that address perceptual (re)organization, order in cognition, and the emergence of meaning. Empirical findings from several perception studies are drawn upon to illustrate the psychophysical significance of the synergetic framework. The final sections discuss the instability and multistability of perceptual process, as well as the impact of suggestive influences on instable perceptual alternatives.