The Perception of Causality

Albert Michotte

• Publisher: Routledge
• Year: 2017
• eBook ISBN: 9781315519036
• Topic: Psychology
• Subtopic: Cognitive Psychology & Cognition
• Index: Psychology

Originally published in 1963, this is a classic work on the psychology of perception. By means of suitable patterns on a partly concealed rotating disc Michotte was able to give the impression of objects in movement; and where certain conditions of speed, position, and time-interval were satisfied, his subjects received the impression of a causal interaction between two objects – for example, the impression that one object has 'bumped into' another (the 'Launching Effect') or is carrying it along (the 'Entraining Effect'). In a further group of experiments Michotte studies the conditions in which moving objects look as though they are alive.

A large number of experiments are described, and on the basis of them Michotte formulates a theory as to the conditions in which causal impressions occur. He also compares his own views on causality with those of Hume, Maine de Biran, and Piaget.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half Title
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Original Title Page
• Original Copyright Page
• Foreword
• Preface to the English Edition
• Translators’ Glossary
• Table of Contents
• Author’s Note
• Introduction
• Mechanical Causality
• Appendices
• Commentary
• References