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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the perception of a two-dimensional being when observing a three-dimensional object, specifically a smartphone, through the lens of dimensionality and perception. It touches on theoretical implications and philosophical questions regarding perception and reality.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions what a two-dimensional being would perceive when looking at a smartphone, suggesting a curiosity about dimensionality and perception.
  • Another participant references Edwin Abbott's "Flatland," indicating that literature on the topic may provide insights into the nature of two-dimensional perception.
  • One participant challenges the initial premise by asking if humans themselves see in two dimensions, prompting a discussion about the nature of human perception versus that of a hypothetical two-dimensional being.
  • There is a suggestion that imagining a two-dimensional being might involve considering a one-dimensional retina that reconstructs a two-dimensional view using depth cues, raising questions about the mechanics of perception.
  • A participant expresses uncertainty about the nature of perception, emphasizing the subjective experience of seeing and questioning whether others perceive the world similarly.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus, as there are multiple competing views regarding the nature of perception and the implications of dimensionality. The discussion remains unresolved with various interpretations and questions raised.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include assumptions about the nature of perception, the definitions of dimensionality, and the subjective experience of seeing, which are not fully explored or resolved in the discussion.

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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