ABSTRACT
Paolo Bozzi presents a coherent version of Gestalt theory, essentially emphasizing so-called “silent organization processes” that bridge the gap between peripheral stimulation and visible organisation. Regarding the theoretical contribution, Bozzi is much more critical. In the final part of his essay, Bozzi gets to the question of what is still living and what has died in the Gestalt approach to perception. While Bozzi discusses the essence of Gestalt theory as he views it, he also highlights three misunderstandings about Gestalt theory. First, Gestalt theory never maintained that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. Second, according to Bozzi, it is a mistake to associate Gestalt theory with the theory of “good form” or “Pragnanz”. Third, the Gestaltists emphasised that perceptual events are always vehicles of “expressive” or “tertiary” qualities, that is, they always convey meaning.
