Peripersonal space as the haptic field
Synthese January 28, 2026 DOI: 10.1007/s11229-025-05430-8 via OpenAlex
Summary
The sense of touch, or haptic touch, is structured by an external spatial field called peripersonal space, which functions similarly to the visual field. Peripersonal space meets the necessary conditions for a spatial field, making it the external spatial field of haptic touch. This argument clarifies structural similarities and differences between the senses, focusing on how touch, like vision, operates within a spatial framework.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Haptic technology Space punctuation Field mathematics Focus optics Modalities |
| Key finding | Peripersonal space functions as the external spatial field of haptic touch, meeting the necessary conditions for a spatial field. |
Abstract
Abstract A topic of interest in the philosophy of perception concerns similarities and differences between the senses. One way of approaching this issue is to focus on structural differences. An interesting question in this respect concerns whether, and in what respect, perceptual modalities other than vision might possess a spatial field which is in some respects similar to the visual field. This paper argues that haptic touch is structured by an external spatial field, namely peripersonal space. I first provide a clarification of the general characteristics of an external spatial field. The paper then outlines the notion of peripersonal space. Finally, I argue that peripersonal space functions as the external spatial field of haptic touch insofar as it meets the necessary conditions for a spatial field.