Perception Under Constraint: A Dual - Constraint Model Reconciling Positivism and Constructivism

Orban, Levente (2026) Perception Under Constraint: A Dual - Constraint Model Reconciling Positivism and Constructivism. Acta Analytica, NA . NA. ISSN 0353-5150

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Abstract

I propose the Dual-Constraint Model (DCM), a formal framework that locates perceptual content at the intersection of (i) internal generative inference and (ii) explicit world-imposed invariance constraints. Percepts are cast as solutions of an optimization that combines sensory likelihood, endogenous priors, and a penalty for hypotheses that violate ecological or physical invariances. DCM preserves the positivist insight that the world imposes non-arbitrary constraints while preserving constructivist insight that internal models select among admissible interpretations under uncertainty. The formulation yields clear, falsifiable dissociations: manipulations that degrade invariance structure produce perceptual and early-sensory effects that cannot be mimicked merely by shifting priors. I present explicit operational forms for the invariance penalty, outline empirical designs and analysis procedures, and provide concrete criteria under which DCM is empirically distinguishable from pure-prior or pure-constraint accounts. The argument is presented as a theoretical synthesis rather than a definitive resolution, recognizing that empirical and philosophical questions remain open.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Perception, Predictive processing, Phenomenology, Invariance Salience, Epistemology, Critical realism, Positivism, Constructivism
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > B Philosophy (General) > B1-5802 Philosophy (General) B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology Q Science > Q Science (General)
Divisions:	School of Law and Social Sciences (SoLaSS)
Depositing User:	Levente Orban
Date Deposited:	10 Feb 2026 20:59
Last Modified:	10 Feb 2026 20:59
URI:	https://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/15257

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