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Updated: Jul 7, 2026
06:53
Creating Virtual-hand and Virtual-face Illusions to Investigate Self-representation
Published on: March 1, 2017
George Orwell, objectivity, and the reality behind illusions
1School of Psychology, 3660University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.
Perception
|May 17, 2022
Summary
This study argues that objective reality is valid and perceivable, refuting claims that illusions challenge reality. It highlights the dangers of denying objective reality and proposes a non-reductive metaphysical framework for understanding perception.
Area of Science:
- Philosophy of Mind
- Cognitive Science
- Metaphysics
Background:
- Illusions are typically defined as deviations from objective reality.
- Recent anti-realist arguments question the validity of objective reality and its perception.
- Such denials risk suppressing independent thought, as warned by George Orwell.
Purpose of the Study:
- To re-establish the validity of objective reality in the context of perceptual illusions.
- To critique the metaphysical assumptions underlying anti-realist arguments against objective reality.
- To propose an alternative metaphysical framework that supports the notion of veridical perception.
Main Methods:
- Philosophical analysis of the definition of illusions and reality.
- Critique of reductionist metaphysics versus non-reductive metaphysics.
- Exploration of George Orwell's warnings on the denial of objective reality.
Main Results:
- Denying objective reality can lead to dangerous suppression of critical thinking.
- Anti-realist arguments often rely on a flawed, reductionist view of metaphysics.
- A non-reductive metaphysics, acknowledging emergent levels of reality, validates objective perception.
Conclusions:
- The concept of objective reality remains valid and is partially accessible through our senses.
- Illusions can be meaningfully defined as deviations from this objective reality.
- A non-reductive worldview supports a robust understanding of perception and reality.
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