Mutuality Relations, Observation, and Intentional Constraints

Abstract

Stoffregen (target article, this issue) asks whether animals detect information specific to events and therefore perceive events as such, or whether animals always perceive affordances, which reflect the possibilities for action of a surrounding layout of surfaces. He concludes the latter. We examine this issue with special reference to the concepts of (a) the simultaneity of exteroception and proprioception, (b) observation, and (c) intention as a constraint on information detection. We argue that animals do not always have to perceive affordances and that during observation, events (in relation to the animal) may be perceived. We discuss the role of intention in constraining mutuality relations with respect to specific behaviors.