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 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Cognitive science Consciousness Dissociative seizures Evolutionary theory Interface theory Mind-body problem Quantum physics Reality Satisficing solutions Synesthesia |
| Key points | Argues that evolution may have shaped human perception to guide adaptive behavior rather than to reveal reality as it actually is. |
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.