Reflection of light upon ourselves

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of light reflection and perception, particularly in relation to mirrors and how they represent objects, including those perceived as dark. Participants explore whether our appearances are merely reflections of light and what this implies about the true nature of objects.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that when light hits mass, it is reflected, producing the images we see, and questions if we are reflections of light.
  • Another participant clarifies that light bounces off objects in all directions and is perceived when it enters someone's eyes, asking for clarification on the term "true nature" of dark objects.
  • A third participant echoes the request for clarification regarding "dark objects."
  • A later reply posits that if our appearance is a reflection of light, then a mirror shows a "reflection of a reflection," which could imply a "true" appearance of dark objects, defined as those that appear dark without light.
  • Another participant challenges the idea that a second reflection makes something "truer" and questions the definition of "dark" objects, suggesting that dark objects do not re-emit incident light.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of light reflection and the definitions of dark objects, indicating that multiple competing views remain without consensus.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved definitions regarding what constitutes "dark objects" and the implications of reflections on perceived reality, which may depend on individual interpretations of light behavior.

Nexus555
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I was thinking... When you shine a light in a mirror, the surface is reflective enough to produce a smooth image. Are we reflections of light, or does light simply shine on us to light us up? It would seem like when light hits mass, it is reflected, which produces the images that we see. And if we are reflections of light, would a reflection of a person in a mirror actually present the true nature of dark objects, since it's backwards?
 
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Generally when light hits an object like a person, it bounces off in all directions, and if that light hits someones eyes, then they see it.

What exactly is your question? What do you mean by the "true nature" of dark objects?
 
Indeed, what do you mean by "dark objects"!
 
Well what I'm saying is, if our appearance is merely a reflection of light (since the protons bounce off what it hits) then that would mean that when you look into a mirror, it's showing a reflection of a reflection, therefore making it the "true" appearance of dark objects. What I mean about dark objects is; without light reflecting off of dark objects, they are in their true appearance, although dark. When light hits them, it makes a reflection... Is this correct?
 
I fail to see why a second reflection of photons makes something "true"er. Also, why do you call objects that light is re-emitted from "dark" ? I would define a dark object to be an object that does not re-emit any incident light.
 

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