On Monday, April 24, 2000 11:42 AM [ Robert-Coyote ] coyyote@hotmail.com
wrote:
> re:"Red is no longer real red"
>
> We have the objective measure of red in wavelength,
How would you know since you have to see it to tell if it's correct?:)
> we have the subjective observation of red, and that has never been "real"
> red, just ask your cat what red and blue are from its perspective.
But seriously, the truth is "red" is not subjective. Rather our visual
systems respond to a variety of things in the world and we have "red." For
example, certain mixtures of light reflecting off something will look red.
Regarding cats, I'm not sure if they have the same color perception as
(non-color blind) humans. I've seen data on dogs and other animals that
shows a limited range of color perception. (I've also seen data on bees
wherein it appears they have a different range of colors than ours --
extending into the ultraviolet.)
> Consider the data glut many of us are experiencing may create a relevancy
> crisis, and the brain IS adapting by filtering extraneous data via
reticular
> activating mechanism ?
Maybe, though I doubt anything would happen _genetically_ this early in the
process. (Not that anyone has brought that up.:)
I know a child raised in a modern civilized environment with internet, TV,
videogames, in your face advertizing, extensive use of flourescent lighting,
etc. will have different experiences than one raised in, say, the Amazon
jungle. I'm sure this does have some impact on perceptual and cognitive
systems. I think that this would NOT necessarily lead to an overall
degradation, but might lead to many differences.
Cheers!
Daniel Ust
http://mars.superlink.net/neptune/
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