Reality is not as it seems.
Steve Paulson, Donald D Hoffman, Suzanne O'Sullivan
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences December 1, 2019 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14194 via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA moderated discussion between cognitive scientist Donald D. Hoffman and neurologist Suzanne O'Sullivan challenges the common cognitive science assumption that perception constructs an accurate representation of reality. Hoffman argues that evolution may have shaped perception to guide adaptive behavior rather than to reveal objective truth, suggesting humans may not see reality as it actually is. O'Sullivan brings a neurological perspective, likely drawing on her work with dissociative seizures and synesthesia. The conversation explores implications for understanding consciousness, the mind-body problem, and the hard problem of consciousness, touching on interface theory and quantum physics as frameworks for rethinking the nature of perceptual experience.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Cognitive science Consciousness Dissociative seizures Evolutionary theory Interface theory |
| Key finding | Evolution may have shaped perception to guide adaptive behavior rather than to reveal the true nature of reality, challenging the view that perception constructs an accurate representation. |
Abstract
The prevalent view in cognitive science is that we construct our perception of reality in real time. But could we be misinterpreting the content of our perceptual experiences? Does what we perceive with our brain and senses reflect the true nature of reality? Might evolution have shaped our perceptions to guide adaptive behavior, without enabling us to see reality as it actually is? In a discussion moderated by Steve Paulson, cognitive scientist Donald D. Hoffman and neurologist Suzanne O'Sullivan analyze these questions and their profound implications for our understanding of human consciousness.