Why There is No Error in the Direct Theory of Perception

Abstract

According to Gibson's direct theory, perception is an achievement, not a process. Perceptual error, therefore, is the failure to perceive. Taken in isolation, this assertion leads to implausible consequences, but taken together with other assertions of Gibson, it may be understood, without contradiction, to mean that there is no absolute error in perception. Whether perception is successful or not is determined by the context in which the perceptual act occurs.