Perception Science in the Age of Deep Neural Networks

For decades, perception was considered a unique ability of biological systems, little understood in its inner workings, and virtually impossible to match in artificial systems. But this status quo was upturned in recent years, with dramatic improvements in computer models of perception brought about by “deep learning” approaches. What does all the ruckus about a “new dawn of artificial intelligence” imply for the neuroscientific and psychological study of perception? Is it a threat, an opportunity, or maybe a little of both?