How our perceptions of reality evolved for fitness, not truth -- we see what our ancestors needed to see

[Guest]

A very interesting talk by Donald Hoffman, a cognitive scientist.
In it, he outlines his theory that our perceptions of reality are analogous to a graphical interface and only as attuned to our environment as evolutionary fitness demands.

In essence, he views our perception of reality as a species specific interface.
Additionally, there are some mind blowing implications of this paradigm that he further elaborates on.

I wish I could've written a more expansive OP, but I'm only just diving into this.
I'll have to read into the subject much further.

Anyhow, enjoy

 

[Guest]

A discussion with Robert Wright, an author of books on evolutionary psychology, in which he delves deeper into his research.

 

[Guest]

As an interesting aside, Hoffman's father is a pastor.

In this video, they show him visiting his parents (at 24.00) and discussing his research with his father.
They're at a profound impasse with each other over worldviews, but they seem to be very close in spite of it.

 

[Guest]

A TED talk in which the speaker demonstrates how fallible our perceptions are.

 

[Guest]

Which table is longer?

Turns out their dimensions are identical.

 

[Guest]

In which direction are the dots moving?

Now cover one side of the gif with your hand.