What process does Lotze describe as essential to perceive 3D objects?

The process that Lotze describes as essential for perceiving 3D objects involves combining visual stimuli with tactual information. This approach underscores the importance of integrating sensory experiences to form a comprehensive understanding of spatial relationships and depth. Lotze emphasized that the perception of the three-dimensionality of objects is not solely a visual task; rather, it benefits significantly from tactile feedback.

When we touch an object, we gather information about its shape, texture, and size, which complements our visual perception. This multisensory integration helps us more effectively determine how objects relate to one another in space. For instance, feeling the contours of an object while simultaneously seeing it reinforces and clarifies our visual interpretation, making depth perception more accurate.

This concept highlights the broader cognitive principle that our senses work in concert, enhancing our overall perceptual experience of the environment. Thus, the integration of visual and tactual stimuli is vital for accurately perceiving three-dimensional objects, as demonstrated by Lotze's insights into perception.