Research in the field of Perception Science

Title: Perception of Reality and Illusion –  An Information-based Theoretic Model 

Presented at 2nd International Mind, Brain, & Consciousness Conference (MBCC) 2025 at IIT MANDI, India from 4th till 7th June.

(Paper accepted for publication in peer reviewed Journal)

Abstract:

When it comes to perception, the contentious query much debated in science and philosophy is: how well do our subjective perceptions represent objective reality? Some say we perceive an aspect of reality being shaped by our senses, while others say we perceive none of it. For both reality and illusion, a proper understanding or definition is necessary to delve into this topic of perception justifiably. Even the most basic definition available is not consistently carried into the mainstream neuro and cognitive science paradigms. Some authors label perceptions as illusions or hallucinations because they are constructed brain experiences. This paper argues that defining reality or illusion is only possible through the same perception under scrutiny. So, it is better to explore its reliability and the conditions thereof. We propose an information-based theoretic model to show that the cognitive faculty is reliable enough and that the evolutionary setup has kept it worthy across all species based on cellular-level fundamental core principles that can be insightful when studied based on information. We posit that information processing at the cognitive level is fundamentally representational due to the representational principle guiding the learning and behavior of the organism. Consequently, the organism naturally looks for information that matches the subjective and objective domains that define perceptual reality. When encountering an illusion, the same faculty can detect it as a mismatch, favoring the organism. Failing to detect is not a defect but a conditional limitation overcome by individual or collective efforts

For further details contact:

Mr. Anil Patnaik

anilpatnaik.re@gmail.com