Is reality real? These neuroscientists don’t think so | Big Think

Summary

The video script explores the concept of external reality, emphasizing that our senses limit our perception of the world. It discusses how our senses fabricate experiences like color and taste, which aren't objectively real but are real in the sense of personal experience. The script challenges the idea of a single perspective capturing reality, advocating for a transperspectival approach to understanding. It also defends the existence of objective truth and the scientific method's effectiveness, contrasting it with subjective views.

Takeaways

• 🌐 External reality exists, but we perceive it through our senses which may not accurately represent it.
• 👀 Our senses conflate multiple aspects of the world, leading to perceptions that are not direct reflections of reality.
• 🧠 Our perception is a construct of our senses, not properties of objective reality, as colors, odors, and tastes are not objectively real.
• 🔍 We don't see the world as it really is, but rather a version of it that is useful for our survival.
• 💡 The concept of objective reality refers to things that would exist even without perceivers, unlike our sensory experiences.
• 🐍 Our perceptions have evolved to keep us alive, not necessarily to provide an accurate representation of reality.
• 🎨 Colors are a scientific example of how our natural perception is limited and not an accurate reflection of the underlying quantum mechanics of light.
• 🎶 Comparing color perception to sound, we understand that our senses do not always preserve the distinct identities of combined inputs.
• 🌌 Reality is transperspectival, meaning it cannot be fully captured by a single perspective and requires multiple viewpoints.
• 🔬 The scientific method is a systematic approach to understanding reality, starting with observation and hypothesis to test objective truth.
• 📚 Scientific theories can超越 their creators' understanding, as seen with Einstein and the prediction of black holes by his equations.

Q & A

What is meant by 'external reality' in the context of the script?

External reality refers to the world outside of human perception, the physical world that exists independently of whether anyone is observing it. However, the script argues that while it exists, we never perceive it directly or accurately because our senses filter and shape the data.

Why does the speaker suggest that we do not see the world as it is?

The speaker suggests we do not see the world as it is because our senses are limited and conflate various aspects of reality. Our perceptions are not fully accurate representations of the external world, as they are filtered through our biological and sensory systems, which prioritize utility over accuracy.

How do our senses shape our perception of reality according to the script?

Our senses shape our perception by fabricating aspects of reality such as colors, odors, and tastes. These are not properties of the objective world but rather the result of how our sensory systems interpret external stimuli to create experiences that help us navigate the world effectively.

What is the difference between 'real' experiences and 'objective' reality in the script?

Real experiences, like seeing color or feeling pain, exist because we perceive them, but they are not part of objective reality, which would exist even if no one were there to perceive it. Objective reality, as physicists define it, includes things that remain real regardless of observation, such as physical objects and forces.

How does the script describe the limitations of human perception when compared to the actual physical world?

The script describes human perception as limited, using examples like color perception. When we mix red and green light, we see yellow, whereas in sound, we can distinguish separate tones in a chord. This shows that our visual system simplifies and reduces the vast information of the external world.

Why does the speaker argue that it is useful not to see reality as it is?

The speaker argues that it is useful not to see reality as it is because evolution has shaped our senses to prioritize survival, not accuracy. For example, recognizing a snake and avoiding it is more important than understanding its true physical properties. Our perceptions are designed for survival utility, not objective truth.

What is meant by the term 'transperspectival reality' in the script?

Transperspectival reality refers to the idea that reality cannot be fully captured by any single perspective. Each perspective offers only partial information, and to understand reality better, one must integrate multiple perspectives, recognizing that no single view can encompass all the information.

How does the scientific method help in understanding truth according to the script?

The scientific method helps in understanding truth by allowing us to systematically observe, pose questions, create hypotheses, and test them. This approach is a way to investigate reality beyond subjective perception, gradually building knowledge about objective truths.

What is the role of mathematical or physical theories in discovering truths, as mentioned in the script?

Mathematical or physical theories, once formulated, can reveal truths that the originators of the theories may not have anticipated. The example of Einstein's equations predicting black holes, despite his disbelief, shows that the equations themselves can become 'smarter' than the person who wrote them, leading to new discoveries.

Why does the speaker criticize the rejection of objective truth?

The speaker criticizes the rejection of objective truth by highlighting the successes of science. Objective truth, as pursued by science, has led to technological advancements like space exploration, vaccines, and antibiotics. These successes show that objective truth is functional and practical, unlike the claim that everything is subjective or socially constructed.