The Objectivity Assumption: Difference between revisions

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[[File:Naive Realism2.png|alt=Naive Realism|thumb|'''Figure 1'''. Rene Descartes quote on Naive Realism]]
[[File:Naive Realism2.png|alt=Naive Realism|thumb|'''Figure 1'''. Rene Descartes quote on Naive Realism]]
'''We often assume that our perceptions are accurate and objective reflections of reality, but they are actually mental constructs shaped by our minds.''' Human perception is an abstraction, not a replication, of the world around us.  
'''We often assume that our perceptions are accurate and objective reflections of reality, but they are actually mental constructs shaped by our minds.''' Human perception has always been an abstraction rather than a direct replication of the world around us.  


Our brains construct an internal representation of external events by analyzing various features. For example, colour perception is not a direct reflection of reality; colours are synthesized by our brain to differentiate light wavelengths. This means colour is an illusion, and it's impossible to ascertain that other animals perceive it as we do.
This abstraction arises from the fact that we perceive the world through a unique lens. Our brains create an internal representation of external events by analyzing various features. For example, our perception of color does not directly correspond to reality; rather, colors are synthesized by our brains to distinguish between different light wavelengths. This suggests that color is an illusion, and we cannot know whether other animals perceive it in the same way we do.


This assumption of objectivity persists because our brain's model of the world feels real, aiding our survival. Acknowledging the subjectivity of our perceptions can be uncomfortable and challenge our beliefs, leading to [[cognitive dissonance]]. Societal norms further reinforce this belief in objectivity, rewarding confidence and discouraging questioning.
This assumption of objectivity is an evolved trait that serves our survival by allowing us to navigate our environment without constant questioning. However, in today’s information age—our modern savanna—recognizing our inherent perceptual biases is essential for navigating new [[Dark Patterns|dark patterns]]. While our perceptions are subjective, this does not mean that all perceptions are equally valid or that objective truth is absent. Rather, it highlights the importance of confronting our [[cognitive dissonance]] and actively challenging our [[cognitive biases]] to achieve a more accurate understanding of the world.
 
However, recognizing our biases is essential. While our perceptions are subjective, this doesn’t mean all perceptions are equally valid or that objective truth doesn’t exist. It simply means we must actively challenge our cognitive biases to approach a more accurate understanding of the world.

Latest revision as of 09:44, 13 October 2024

Naive Realism
Figure 1. Rene Descartes quote on Naive Realism

We often assume that our perceptions are accurate and objective reflections of reality, but they are actually mental constructs shaped by our minds. Human perception has always been an abstraction rather than a direct replication of the world around us.

This abstraction arises from the fact that we perceive the world through a unique lens. Our brains create an internal representation of external events by analyzing various features. For example, our perception of color does not directly correspond to reality; rather, colors are synthesized by our brains to distinguish between different light wavelengths. This suggests that color is an illusion, and we cannot know whether other animals perceive it in the same way we do.

This assumption of objectivity is an evolved trait that serves our survival by allowing us to navigate our environment without constant questioning. However, in today’s information age—our modern savanna—recognizing our inherent perceptual biases is essential for navigating new dark patterns. While our perceptions are subjective, this does not mean that all perceptions are equally valid or that objective truth is absent. Rather, it highlights the importance of confronting our cognitive dissonance and actively challenging our cognitive biases to achieve a more accurate understanding of the world.

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