Visual representation and taxonomy

Hugh Clapin

pp. 313-321

in: Ray Paton, Irene Neilson (eds), Visual representations and interpretations, Berlin, Springer, 1999

Abstract

How ought we classify visual representation? Is there any reason to suppose that information made available through the eyes is represented in a different kind of way to information made available to the ears, or to touch? In this paper I will explore whether, for the purposes of cognitive science, a useful representational taxonomy will give a special place to visual representation. In particular, I argue that pictures are not a good exemplar of the "iconic" genus of representation.