Gibson's theorizing about perception represents a potent case against cognitivist constructions of that capacity. Primarily it is seen to apply in contexts not dependent upon language. Gibson's own position on language is argued to contain some unexamined characteristics which could create contradictions for his ecological (hence evolutionary) theorizing about perception. Subsequent attempts, by Verbrugge and by Reed, to come to grips with the issue of language within an ecological framework are argued against. The model proposed by Buhler of language as Iorganon', or tool, is seen as best fitting the Gibsonian approach. Furthermore, the account of language's evolutionary emergence developed by Davidson and Noble is argued as congenial to Gibson's treatment of perception.
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