Whether or not humans have the capacity to objectively comprehend the cosmos is a discomforting topic; however, it is an important cosmological question that needs answered if scientists want to build the most accurate and honest concept of the universe. This paper examines this question and attempts to gain a better understanding of the perceptive capabilities of humans and their relation to external reality.
Using an interdisciplinary literature review approach, the research highlights various branches of science in order to examine the limits of human perception and cognition. The scientists consulted include Eagleman, who presents the concept that experienced reality is a construct created by the brain; Hoffman, with his insistence that evolution shaped people to perceive and seek fitness points rather than truth; and multiple physicists including Barbour, Greene, Planck, and Tyson, each of whom tackle the subject of cosmology from a unique perspective.
Although it cannot be declared with complete certainty, the chances of humans perceiving external reality as it truly exists are extremely low. As with other lifeforms, Homo sapiens evolved to adapt to their environment and lifestyle according to their surrounding resources, and, as such, their perception is designed for survival rather than absolute truth. The physicists disagree in some fashions, such as in the argument of the existence of time and where physics is heading in the future. However, they each agree on one point—we do not, and may never, know the true nature of the cosmos.
Table of Contents
- Abstract
- Perception vs. Reality: The Human Inability to See the Truth
- Why Do Humans Seek Understanding?
- Utilizing Interdisciplinary Research Methods
- Physical Science: Planck
- Physical Science: Tyson
- Physical Science: Greene
Objectives and Key Themes
This research examines the human capacity to objectively comprehend the universe. It explores the limitations of human perception and cognition in relation to external reality, questioning whether our perceptions align with objective truth. The research uses an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on physics, neurobiology, and evolutionary science.
- The limitations of human perception and its evolutionary basis.
- The human drive to understand the universe and the fear of the unknown.
- The role of interdisciplinary research in understanding cosmology.
- Contrasting perspectives on the nature of reality from prominent scientists.
- The inherent challenges in reconciling scientific models of the universe with human perception.
Chapter Summaries
Abstract: This abstract introduces the central question of whether humans can objectively understand the universe. It previews the research methodology—an interdisciplinary literature review—and hints at the conclusion that human perception is likely shaped by survival needs rather than a pursuit of objective truth.
Perception vs. Reality: The Human Inability to See the Truth: This chapter delves into the historical human tendency to assume a central role in the universe, contrasting this anthropocentric view with the insights gained from scientific advancements. It argues that human perception, shaped by biological and evolutionary constraints, may inherently limit our ability to grasp objective reality. The chapter uses Hoffman's work to illustrate how shifts in scientific understanding have reshaped our self-perception within the cosmos.
Why Do Humans Seek Understanding?: This chapter explores the motivations behind humanity's quest for cosmological knowledge. It posits that the drive is not solely driven by intellectual curiosity but also by a deep-seated fear of the unknown and a desire for control and understanding in the face of a vast and potentially unpredictable universe. Hawking's perspective on the pursuit of a complete theory is presented as a key example.
Utilizing Interdisciplinary Research Methods: This chapter emphasizes the necessity of an interdisciplinary approach to understanding complex cosmological questions. It argues that focusing solely on a single branch of knowledge provides an incomplete picture, and that a combined approach using physics, neurology, and evolutionary science offers a more comprehensive understanding.
Physical Science: Planck: This section presents Max Planck's views on the relationship between knowledge and reality. Planck's assertion that the external world is not directly knowable highlights the inherent limitations in our ability to perceive objective truth. His work emphasizes the inherent barriers between knowledge and reality as a driving force in scientific progress.
Physical Science: Tyson: This chapter summarizes Neil deGrasse Tyson's perspective on the universe and humanity's place within it. Tyson emphasizes the universe's indifference to human understanding, highlighting the potential for human biases and the challenges in reconciling existing scientific models. His assertion that the universe is under no obligation to make sense to us underscores the limitations of human perception.
Physical Science: Greene: This section explores Brian Greene's work on superstring theory and its potential to unify general relativity and quantum mechanics. Greene's discussion of the limitations of current technology in observing the fundamental components of matter highlights the technological hurdles in advancing our understanding of the universe.
Keywords
Human perception, objective reality, cosmology, interdisciplinary research, evolutionary biology, neurobiology, physics, quantum mechanics, general relativity, limitations of knowledge, human bias, the nature of reality, scientific understanding, fear of the unknown.
FAQ: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this research?
This research examines the human capacity for objectively comprehending the universe. It explores the limitations of human perception and cognition in relation to external reality, questioning whether our perceptions align with objective truth.
What methodology is used in this research?
The research employs an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on physics, neurobiology, and evolutionary science. It primarily uses a literature review to analyze the perspectives of prominent scientists and philosophical considerations.
What are the key themes explored?
Key themes include the limitations of human perception and its evolutionary basis; the human drive to understand the universe and the fear of the unknown; the role of interdisciplinary research in understanding cosmology; contrasting perspectives on the nature of reality from prominent scientists; and the inherent challenges in reconciling scientific models of the universe with human perception.
Which scientists' perspectives are examined?
The research analyzes the perspectives of Max Planck, Neil deGrasse Tyson, and Brian Greene, focusing on their views on the nature of reality, the limitations of human understanding, and the challenges of reconciling scientific models with human perception.
What are the chapter summaries?
The document provides summaries of chapters covering the abstract (introducing the central question and methodology), human perception vs. reality (exploring historical anthropocentrism and biological limitations), the motivations behind humanity's quest for knowledge (including the fear of the unknown), the necessity of interdisciplinary research, and individual chapters dedicated to the perspectives of Planck, Tyson, and Greene on the relationship between science and reality.
What are the key findings or arguments presented?
The research argues that human perception is likely shaped by survival needs rather than a pursuit of objective truth. It highlights the inherent limitations in our ability to perceive objective reality due to biological and evolutionary constraints. The interdisciplinary approach emphasizes the need for a combined understanding from physics, neurology, and evolutionary science to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of cosmology.
What are the keywords associated with this research?
Keywords include: Human perception, objective reality, cosmology, interdisciplinary research, evolutionary biology, neurobiology, physics, quantum mechanics, general relativity, limitations of knowledge, human bias, the nature of reality, scientific understanding, and fear of the unknown.
What is the purpose of this language preview?
This preview provides a comprehensive overview of the research, including the table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords, allowing for a thorough understanding of the content before engaging with the full text.
- Quote paper
- Natalie Perdue (Author), 2020, Perception versus Reality. The Human Inability to See the Truth, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1312616
