Abstract

In the recent book by Baingio Pinna (La percezione visiva, Il Mulino, 2021), themes related to the science of vision are addressed, with reference to the most relevant theories and approaches (from logic to computational complexity, from experimental phenomenology to the real-illusory dichotomy, from perceptual paradoxes to the perception of art) that have contributed to the explanation of various perceptual phenomena. The book combines theory and graphic illustrations, bringing together two possible ways of reading: the first one delves into the theoretical aspect of the science of vision, while the second offers a visual reading experience with a remarkable iconographic apparatus of figures, drawings, and sketches. The theme of truth-false, real- illusory, appears continuously throughout the various chapters, with references to the problem of computational complexity of seeing and the the processes used to solve perceptual problems. The foray into the world of art also allows Pinna to reflect on aspects related to perception, particularly the illusion of art and art as illusion.