Breadth and Limits of the Affordance Concept

Abstract

Kirlik (this issue) reviews my recent (Stoffregen, 2003b) definition of affordance and suggests that it is too broad. Kirlik argues that the concept of affordance should include only things that are opportunities for action. In replying, I agree that affordance should be restricted to opportunities for action. However, I argue that action can and should include the great majority of animate behavior and possibly all of it. Finally, I argue that the concept of affordance is not unbounded but rather has strict limits.