Welcome to the "Perspective Shift" series. In this series, we'll investigate and question dominant perspectives on various topics. Our goal is twofold:
1. To highlight the features, qualities, and characteristics of prevailing viewpoints.
2. To offer alternative perspectives - or "hot takes," as the cool kids say.
But before we dive in, let's establish some groundwork by defining what we mean by "perspective."
What is a Perspective?
We use the term "perspective" in everyday language, often saying things like, "I like your perspective" or "That's a unique perspective." At its core, a perspective describes a viewer's view of something. It consists of three elements:
1. The viewer (who can be anyone or anything)
2. The thing being viewed (which can be anything)
3. The act of viewing (the most intriguing part)
Let's explore this concept with two examples:
Example 1: Atomic Particles
For most of human history, we were unaware of atomic particles. We couldn't view them without the aid of technology. As our technology advanced, it extended our ability to "see" the natural world, enabling us to observe atoms. The atoms themselves didn't change - they continued existing whether we could see them or not. Our ability to perceive them was what evolved.
Example 2: Hide-and-Seek
In the game of hide-and-seek, the hider intentionally conceals themselves, preventing the seeker from seeing them. They purposefully remain out of view.
These examples illustrate that the act of viewing depends on two factors:
1. The viewer's ability to perceive the thing
2. The thing sufficiently revealing itself to the viewer
In other words, it's about what we can see and what's showing itself to us. This interplay between the viewer's capacity and the object's revelation is crucial in shaping our perspectives.
The Limitations of Perspective
In everyday life, our understanding of what we observe is often limited. Whether we're considering the economy, our nation, local community, or family, we only see part of the equation. We form our perspectives based on incomplete information.
Moreover, everything only partially reveals itself. Let's consider some examples:
Humans often conceal their intentions, desires, and thoughts. We rarely have full access to another person's inner world.
Animals make a lifestyle out of camouflage and misdirection. Think of a chameleon changing colors or a stick insect blending into its surroundings.
Plants use mimicry of other plants or release synthetic insect pheromones to attract pollinators. Some orchids, for instance, mimic the appearance and scent of female insects to attract male pollinators.
Even in physics, concepts like dark matter and dark energy suggest we don't fully understand gravity yet.
The truth is: the universe is ultimately unknowable. We can only know what is revealed to us.
This means all perspectives are inherently limited. They reflect our partial view of something that is itself only partially knowable.
Embracing Limited Perspectives
For some, this realization might cause a sense of dread. If we can't fully view something, how can we develop the "right" perspective? If all perspectives are limited, how do we determine what a "good" perspective looks like.
Fear not. Limited information doesn't lead to extreme relativism - the idea that all perspectives are equally valid or that we can't judge the quality of perspectives at all. On the contrary, our limited perspectives are a source of life, mystery, and discovery.
Consider this: if we had perfect, complete knowledge of everything, what would be the point of conversation, learning, or growth? Our limited perspectives create the very fabric of not just human interaction but all of reality's interaction. It's the essence of life!
The more we discover, the better our perspective becomes. Our limitations drive us to explore, to question, to seek out new information. They foster curiosity and fuel progress. By acknowledging the boundaries of our knowledge, we open ourselves to new ideas and experiences.
Furthermore, our limited perspectives necessitate collaboration and dialogue. By sharing our unique viewpoints, we can piece together a more comprehensive understanding of the world. It's like assembling a jigsaw puzzle where each of us holds different pieces.
Rules of Thumb for Discussing Perspectives
When discussing your own perspective:
1. Recognize that your view is based on your current understanding of the topic.
2. You can shift your perspective by highlighting different aspects of the topic.
3. To expand your perspective, seek to learn and experience more.
When discussing others' perspectives:
1. Remember that you're viewing someone else's view - you can't fully embody their perspective.
2. Assume good faith in their expression unless you have reason to suspect otherwise.
Looking Ahead
In future "Perspective Shift" posts, I'll strive to address these points explicitly. For instance, I plan to explore AI, examining how it's commonly discussed and how different perspectives paint it as either the future god of humanity or merely advanced probability and statistics.
By embracing the limitations and potential of our perspectives, we open ourselves to a richer, more nuanced understanding of the world around us. Our limited views don't constrain us – they inspire us to keep learning, to stay curious, and to engage in meaningful dialogue with others.