FWIW, my current feeling is like 25% probability that narrowing eyes (in anger etc.) has a functional explanation related to vision (as opposed to changing how your face looks to other people, or defending your eyes from attack, or whatever), and 80% probability that widening eyes (in fear etc.) has a functional explanation related to vision. But I didn’t think about it too hard.
In both cases, regardless of whether it’s functional or not, I have very high confidence that it’s an innate reaction, not a product of within-lifetime learning.
I remember reading a claim that the steering subsystem notices how much of the white is visible in other peoples eyes.
The text probably didn’t use the term “steering subsystem” (unless I got this from one of your posts), but that’s how I remember interpreting it.
Cats have eye-based facial expression too. Squinting (half closed eyes) means relaxed and trusting. If a cat slow-blinks at you (closes their eyes all the way) that’s means they like you.
No worries, seems fine.
FWIW, my current feeling is like 25% probability that narrowing eyes (in anger etc.) has a functional explanation related to vision (as opposed to changing how your face looks to other people, or defending your eyes from attack, or whatever), and 80% probability that widening eyes (in fear etc.) has a functional explanation related to vision. But I didn’t think about it too hard.
In both cases, regardless of whether it’s functional or not, I have very high confidence that it’s an innate reaction, not a product of within-lifetime learning.
I remember reading a claim that the steering subsystem notices how much of the white is visible in other peoples eyes.
The text probably didn’t use the term “steering subsystem” (unless I got this from one of your posts), but that’s how I remember interpreting it.
Cats have eye-based facial expression too. Squinting (half closed eyes) means relaxed and trusting. If a cat slow-blinks at you (closes their eyes all the way) that’s means they like you.