CogSci index  Spelke on object perception 
Object Classification
As a Decision Tree
(revised November 15, 1997) 

This strip suggests a hierarchical decision tree as a model of how core faculties can make basic-level classifications of the world into objects, intentional agents, and conscious beings.
 
 
 
 
 
Spelke
 
Object faculty
Is this an object?
|
Does it move independently?
------
No
---->
Part of an object
|
Yes (cohesive, bounded, rigid, local action)
|
Objects (rocks, animals, people)
 
 
 
 
 
Leslie
 
Theory of Body
Is this an agent?
|
Does it move on its own?
------
No
---->
Object (rock)
|
Yes (internal source of energy)
|
Maybe agent (wind, fire, weather, animals, people)
 
 
 
 
Leslie
 
ToMM 1
Is it intentional?
|
Does it move purposefully?
------
No
---->
Not agent (wind)
|
Yes (unlikely trajectory)
|
Agent (insects, animals, people)
 
 
 
 
 
Leslie
 
ToMM 2
Is it conscious?
|
Does it have mental states?
------
No
---->
Not mental (insects)
|
Yes (pretends)
|
Mental (animals, people)
 
 
 
 
The presentations of Spelke, Atran, Leslie, and Baron-Cohen present experimental detail--and theoretical grist for the philosophical mill--on core cognitive faculties..
 
 
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Bibliography
© 1996 Francis F. Steen, Communication Studies, University of California, Los Angeles