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Philosophy For Our Times
Do we really experience reality? | Graham Harman, Donald Hoffman & Mazviita Chirimuuta
May 25, 2021
Graham Harman, a philosopher of object-oriented ontology, joins cognitive scientist Donald Hoffman, known for his work on perception, and philosopher Mazviita Chirimuuta, who specializes in the philosophy of mind. They dive into the captivating question of whether our perceptions truly reflect reality or are merely evolutionary adaptations. Topics include the perception paradox influenced by synesthesia, the indirect nature of accessing reality, and the limitations of human cognition. They also discuss the diverse perceptions of non-human entities, inviting a reevaluation of consciousness.
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Quick takeaways
- Evolution shapes human perception to prioritize survival over an accurate understanding of reality, resulting in a functional but illusory experience of existence.
- The debate highlights that while human perceptions are limited, objects possess an independent individuation that suggests a richer, multi-layered reality beyond our senses.
Deep dives
The Nature of Perception and Reality
Evolution does not equip us to perceive an objective reality accurately; instead, it shapes our senses to provide useful perceptions for survival. For instance, synesthetes experience flavors as distinct three-dimensional shapes, enabling them to navigate the culinary world effectively, even if these perceptions do not reflect objective truths. This notion extends to all creatures, where the visual and sensory abilities are tailored to enhance survival rather than deliver an accurate depiction of reality. As a result, evolution acts as a user interface that conceals the underlying truths of existence, prioritizing functionality over factual representation.
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