The Interface Theory of Perception: A Review and Discussion
摘要
In the late 20th century, with the rapid development of quantum mechanics and brain neuroscience, the study of perception theory ushered in a new opportunity. However, despite progress from various perspectives, there is still no general consensus on the nature of perception. Against this backdrop, Hoffman and his team, leveraging mathematical modeling, experimental simulations, and cutting-edge quantum mechanics, innovatively constructed the Perceptual Interface Theory with the core concepts of interface metaphor and the PDA loop. They argue for the non-reality of perception, analyzing the ontological and epistemological tensions between adaptive utility and representational truth in perceptual theories. They identify a key misconception in traditional perceptual theories: the conflation of adaptation and reality. From an evolutionary epistemology standpoint, they contend that under natural selection, veridical perception of mind-independent reality is not favored and is in fact likely to be eliminated; instead, natural selection favors adaptive perception. This groundbreaking viewpoint has sparked significant debate in the academic community. This paper traces the development of perception research, elucidates the core concepts and mechanisms of Interface Theory, and synthesizes three major positive implications: offering a monistic solution to Chalmers’ “hard problem of consciousness,” bridging the explanatory gap between mind and body through ontological revision, and challenging functionalism’s reductionist assumptions. At the same time, the paper presents critiques of the theory from three dimensions: Campbell, (