From inference to affordance : the problem of visual depth-perception in the optical writings of Descartes, Berkeley, and Gibson

This thesis explores the debate and issues regarding the status of visual ;,iferellces in the optical writings of Rene Descartes, George Berkeley and James 1. Gibson. It gathers arguments from across their works and synthesizes an account of visual depthperception that accurately reflects the larger, metaphysical implications of their philosophical theories. Chapters 1 and 2 address the Cartesian and Berkelean theories of depth-perception, respectively. For Descartes and Berkeley the debate can be put in the following way: How is it possible that we experience objects as appearing outside of us, at various distances, if objects appear inside of us, in the representations of the individual's mind? Thus, the Descartes-Berkeley component of the debate takes place exclusively within a representationalist setting. Representational theories of depthperception are rooted in the scientific discovery that objects project a merely twodimensional patchwork of forms on the retina. I call this the "flat image" problem. This poses the problem of depth in terms of a difference between two- and three-dimensional orders (i.e., a gap to be bridged by one inferential procedure or another). Chapter 3 addresses Gibson's ecological response to the debate. Gibson argues that the perceiver cannot be flattened out into a passive, two-dimensional sensory surface. Perception is possible precisely because the body and the environment already have depth. Accordingly, the problem cannot be reduced to a gap between two- and threedimensional givens, a gap crossed with a projective geometry. The crucial difference is not one of a dimensional degree. Chapter 3 explores this theme and attempts to excavate the empirical and philosophical suppositions that lead Descartes and Berkeley to their respective theories of indirect perception. Gibson argues that the notion of visual inference, which is necessary to substantiate representational theories of indirect perception, is highly problematic. To elucidate this point, the thesis steps into the representationalist tradition, in order to show that problems that arise within it demand a tum toward Gibson's information-based doctrine of ecological specificity (which is to say, the theory of direct perception). Chapter 3 concludes with a careful examination of Gibsonian affordallces as the sole objects of direct perceptual experience. The final section provides an account of affordances that locates the moving, perceiving body at the heart of the experience of depth; an experience which emerges in the dynamical structures that cross the body and the world.

Dr. George Nogradi

Professor of Rec and Leisure Studies.

Is technology a threat to education? : the contribution of George Parkin Grant

Thesis (M.Ed.)-- Brock University, 1995.

Oath of Allegiance to King George III

Transcript (original spelling and grammar retained): We the Commissioned Officers belonging to the Second Regiment of Lincoln Militia - Do sincerely promise and swear that we will be faithful and bear true allegiance to his Majesty King George, and heirs will defend to the utmost of our power against all traitorous conspiracies and attempts whatsoever which shall be made against his Person, Crown or Dignity; and we will do our utmost endeavours to disclose and make them known to his Majesty, His Heirs and successors, all treasons and traitorous conspiracies and attempts, which we shall know to be against Him or them. So help us God. Thomas Clark - Lt. Col. David Secord - Major John Crysler - Capt James Macklin - Capt John [Ross] - [Captain] [Abraham] Bowman - Lieut Gilbert McMicking - Quartmaster John [Misiner] - Ensign Robert Campbell - Capt John [Couke] - Ensign Nicholas Smith - Lieut I certify that the officers who have here [subscribed] the oath took it before me at Chippawa 4 Sept 1812 Thomas Dickson JP

Letter from George W. Campbell, esq., late Secretary of the Treasury, to the Chairman of the Committee appointed to inquire into the causes and particulars of the invasion of the City of Washington, and the neighboring town of Alexandria, in the month of August last. --

Laid before the House by the Chairman of the said Committee, and ordered to be printed January 2, 1815.

Robert George Malcomson Papers, 1790s-2009 (non-inclusive)

Materials related to military and naval operations of the 1812 era, research of the late Robert Malcomson, Canadian author and historian. Materials include photocopies of materials relating to the War of 1812, photographs and detailed research notes Malcomson made regarding his approach to research (mainly found in Series VIII). Materials were originally arranged in binders relating to an area of research or a certain publication. Articles were removed from the binders and placed in folders using original titles from the binders as series or sub-series titles. Articles within the binders were separated by tabs indicating what the article related to in the publication or topic of interest. In order to avoid repetition, the writing on the tab was used for folder titles, as each folder would be a part of the Series under which it was grouped. The tab names could be authors, events, accounts etc. of the War. Series and sub-series titles were derived from the original titles on the binders. Original intellectual order was retained, grouping similar subjects into Series and Sub-series. Dates recorded were the publication dates of the articles; however, if no publication date was present the date of retrieval was used if from an academic database (ex. JSTOR). The black and white photos from various repositories are reproductions of paintings, microfilm etc. on photographic paper. The colour photographs from various repositories are actual photographs. All books donated by Malcomson were integrated into the University’s Special Collections book collection. These volumes are noted at the end of the finding aid under separated materials.

George H. Cornish Fonds

George Henry Cornish (1834-1912) was a Methodist minister whose circuits included Clinton, Ont. (1859), Newcastle, Ont. (1861), and Caledonia/Binbrook/Glanford, Ont. (1864- 1865). He wrote several books on the Methodist Church in Canada, including the Cyclopaedia of Methodism in Canada (1881) and the Handbook of Canadian Methodism (1867).

Welland Canal Survey of Lands George Adams Esquire 1827

Survey map and description of George Adams' land created by The Welland Canal Company. Included is a written description of the land along with a drawing of the land. Noteable features include; Concession lines between the 4th and 5th concession and the 5th and 6th concession, canal. Surveyor notes are seen in pencil on the map. The deed for the land is dated May 10th 1827.See also page 41.

Welland Canal Survey of Lands George Adams Esquire 1835

Survey map and description of George Adam's land created by The Welland Canal Company. Included is a written description of the land along with a drawing of the land. Noteable features include; lock no.4, channel of 12 mile creek, road, canal, dock yard, Hayward Distillery, bridge. Surveyor notes are seen in pencil on the map. The land was a total of 3 acres including the creek.See also record for page 36. The land was required for canal towpath and lock house.

Welland Canal Survey of Lands George Keefer Esquire

Survey map and description of George Keefer's land created by The Welland Canal Company. Included is a written description of the land along with a drawing of the land. Noteable features include; road, road allowance, line between Black and Keefer's land, township line, reservoir, bridges, lock no's. 32, 33, 34, 35, mill. Surveyor notes are seen in pencil on the map. Land is composed of sections of lot no.s 9 and 17 in Thorold. The land is a total of 28 acres, 2 roads, and 12 perches.

Welland Canal Survey of Lands George Marlatt 1826, 1831

Two survey maps and descriptions of George Marlatt's land created by The Welland Canal Company. The first is from 1826, as described in the deed of November 21, 1826. The second survey was done on August 29, 1831 by George Keefer. Included is a written description of the land along with a drawing of the land. Noteable features for the first survey (p.85) include; line between Kelly and Marlatt's land, lot division. Noteable features for the second survey (p.87) include; road to Beaverdams, reservoir, bridges, road allowance, lot divisions, line between Kelly and Marlatt's land. Surveyor notes are seen in pencil on the map.See also Page 90-91

Welland Canal Survey of Lands George Marlatt 1826

Survey map and description of George Marlatt's land created by The Welland Canal Company. Included is a written description of the land along with a drawing of the land. Noteable features include; line between Wilson and Marlatt's land, canal. The land in total is 2 acres and includes part of a road. The deed for the land is dated November 21st, 1826. Surveyor notes are seen in pencil on the map.See also Pp.85-87.

Portrait of "Ruth", by George A. Hemstreet, Photographer, Milton [n.d.]

A woman identified only by the broach at her neck as "Ruth" is pictured here in a black and white cabinet card photograph by G. A. Hemstreet. The photo is undated, but believed to be from the late 1870s or early 1880s. The photographer's name is stamped in black ink along the bottom of the card: "G. A. Hemstreet, Photographer, Milton, Ont." This cabinet card was in the possession of Iris Sloman Bell, of St. Catharines, whose relatives include former Black slaves from the United States.G. A. Hemstreet, also known as George A. Hemstreet, was a photographer in Milton, Ontario from 1877 - 1887. Source: Phillips, Glen C. The Ontario photographers list (1851-1900). Sarnia: Iron Gate Publishing Co., 1990.

Land Indenture Between Daniel Robins and George Hansil- December 2, 1814

An indenture of land sold from Daniel Robins of Thorold to George Hansil of Pelham for Lot 32 (100 acres) in the 5th Concession of the Township of Wainfleet.