The Objectivity Assumption: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 09:44, 13 October 2024

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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 [[File:Naive Realism2.png|alt=Naive Realism|thumb|'''Figure 1'''. Rene Descartes quote on Naive Realism]]
-'''The assumption of objectivity otherwise known as  "[[Bias Blind Spot|bias blind spot]]" or "naïve realism" in humans is a prevalent [[Cognitive biases|cognitive bias]] that stems from our tendency to believe that our perceptions and beliefs are accurate, objective reflections of reality.''' We tend to think that we see the world as it is, not realizing that our perceptions are influenced by our personal experiences, beliefs, cultural backgrounds, and cognitive processes.
+'''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.
-There are several reasons why this assumption is so prevalent. First, it's a natural outcome of how our brains process information. Our brains take in information from our senses and construct a model of the world that feels objective and real to us. This model helps us navigate the world and make decisions, so it's beneficial for our survival and success.
+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.
-Second, acknowledging that our perceptions are subjective can be uncomfortable and can cause [[cognitive dissonance]]. It introduces uncertainty and can challenge our sense of self and our beliefs. Therefore, we often resist acknowledging our biases and maintain the belief in our objectivity.
+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.
-Finally, societal norms and structures often reinforce the assumption of objectivity through the [[Status Quo Bias]] reaffirming the idea of [[Consensus Reality|consensus reality]]. For example, in many cultures, people are rewarded for being confident and certain, which can discourage people from questioning their own perceptions and beliefs.
-However, it's important to note that while we all have biases and our perceptions are inherently subjective, this doesn't mean that all perceptions are equally valid or that objective truth doesn't exist. It simply means that achieving a more objective understanding of the world often requires us to actively acknowledge and challenge our [[Cognitive Biases|cognitive biases]].

Latest revision as of 09:44, 13 October 2024

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