Seeing is different than believing

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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the philosophical and scientific implications of perception, specifically addressing the nature of seeing in relation to time. It asserts that viewing celestial objects inherently involves observing the past due to the time it takes for light to travel from these objects to the observer. Additionally, it highlights the latency involved in perceiving objects in close proximity, which includes the time taken for light to reach the observer and the neurological processing time in the brain. The conversation challenges the notion of belief in what is seen, suggesting a complex relationship between perception and reality.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of light travel time and its implications in astronomy.
  • Basic knowledge of human visual perception and neurological processing.
  • Familiarity with philosophical concepts regarding perception and reality.
  • Awareness of optical phenomena and their effects on observation.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the speed of light and its impact on astronomical observations.
  • Explore the neuroscience of visual processing, focusing on the retina and occipital cortex.
  • Study philosophical texts on perception, particularly those addressing the relationship between belief and observation.
  • Investigate optical illusions and their implications for understanding reality.
USEFUL FOR

Philosophers, astronomers, cognitive scientists, and anyone interested in the intersection of perception, belief, and reality.

aman malik
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what are we seeing the present,the future ,or the past??
 
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Depends what you mean and how you define each. If you consider that to be able to see something means that it has happened (optical trickery aside) then everything is in the past.
 
aman malik said:
what are we seeing the present,the future ,or the past??

If we are talking about celestial objects, definitely the past. Ancient history, in many cases.

If we are talking about things in the same room, there is the latency of the light traveling across the room plus the latency of the whatever happens neurologically between the retina and the occipital cortex, combined for a few nanoseconds.

Are you seeing something you don't believe?
 

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