Brentano's influence on Ehrenfels's theory of perceptual gestalts

Author(s): Boudewijnse, G. J.

Journal/Book: J Theor Soc Behav. 1995; 25: 108 Cowley Rd, Oxford, Oxon, England OX4 1JF. Blackwell Publ Ltd. 401.

Abstract: The paper specifies, for the first time we believe, the influence of Franz Brentano on the first paper on the subject of gestalt qualities-by Christian von Ehrenfels. After outlining the essentials of Ehrenfels's theory, it specifies some very general positions that Ehrenfels borrowed from Brentano. It goes on to relate the idea of gestalt at the perceptual level to Brentano's idea of substance at the conceptual level. We claim that Ehrenfels's idea owes much to the Aristotelian ideas of substance and substantial form, so central to Brentano's early thought. We claim that Ehrenfels's special contribution was to transpose to the perceptual level Brentano's (and Aristotle's) doctrine of substance and substantial form. There is a short section on Ehrenfels's theory of higher-order and cross-modal gestalts, relating the latter to Brentano's teachings on the unity of consciousness. The conclusion briefly contrasts Ehrenfels with the later Berlin school of gestalt psychologists. It is important to get Ehrenfels's theory right because of the continuing role of gestalt thought in contemporary theorizing on perception and because the later Berlin school failed to understand his work.

Note: Article J Macnamara, Mcgill Univ, Dept Psychol, 1205 Dr Penfield Ave, Montreal, Pq H3A 1B1, Canada

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