Through the eyes of a being that can see two in dimensions

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SUMMARY

This discussion explores the perception of a two-dimensional being when viewing a smartphone, a device that presents three-dimensional images on a two-dimensional screen. Participants reference Edwin Abbott's "Flatland" to illustrate the concept of dimensionality and perception. The conversation raises questions about the nature of visual experience and the limitations of understanding others' perceptions. Key insights include the challenges of imagining a two-dimensional perspective and the implications for how beings of different dimensions interpret visual information.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of dimensionality in geometry
  • Familiarity with Edwin Abbott's "Flatland"
  • Basic concepts of visual perception and depth cues
  • Knowledge of the explanatory gap in philosophy of mind
NEXT STEPS
  • Read Edwin Abbott's "Flatland" for insights on dimensional perception
  • Research the philosophical implications of the explanatory gap
  • Explore theories of visual perception in psychology
  • Investigate how technology translates three-dimensional images to two-dimensional screens
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for philosophers, educators, and anyone interested in the intersections of perception, dimensionality, and technology.

Lisastronomy
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TL;DR
What would a being that can only see two dimensions see, when they look at a smartphone?
Since a phone is an object which can show three dimensions on a two dimensional screen, I wondered what a two dimensional being would see when they look at a smart phone or any other screen. So:What would a two dimensional being see, when they look at a smartphone?
 
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Read about Edwin Abbott's Flatland here. If you find the description intriguing enough, the book is available from Amazon.com in many forms for less than $10.00. I read it many years ago and I found it very enjoyable and mind expanding at times.
 
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Don't we see two dimensions? What is the difference between what you are talking about and what we see?
 
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Are we imagining a two-dimensional being with a one-dimensional retina working to reconstruct a two dimensional world-view based on depth cues?
 
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Lisastronomy said:
What would a two dimensional being see, when they look at a smartphone?
I don't even know what you or anyone else sees. I can only be certain about what I see myself, but never be sure if anyone else sees the world in the same way.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Explanatory_gap
 
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