The process of perception consists of three different stages the first is selecting-, the second is organising- and the third is interpreting the stimulus which comes to our brain through our senses.
During a day our five senses, smell, touch, taste, see, and hear provide the brain with such an immense mass of input that our perception must select what is to be let through and attended to. It therefore lets through whatever seems the most relevant, and simplifies it.
At stage two we organise the stimuli in patterns and we compare it to previous information we have stored, this way we are able to make sense of the new input. Lastly we interpret the meaning of what has been selected.
The filters of perception are what I feel is the most important factor in this essay, because it supports the claim of the title. But the filters are not only important to this essay, they are crucial in all armed or cold conflicts in today’s world. Often nations go to war against each other because they perceive only their own point of view in the problem. If we were able to understand our filters, then I believe many crises in history would not have occurred. The filters of perception can be divided into three different groups; one is based on the Physiological aspects, one on Cultural aspects, and one on Social aspects.
In the physiological group of filters we find factors such as age, gender, race, health, fatigue, and biological cycles. For example : ----
It includes also personal things such as, previous experiences and learning, attitudes and interests, needs and feelings, and the current situation that the person is in.
The Cultural filters are language, customs, belief systems, historical perspective, and religion. For example if a person believes in reincarnation, it is reality for him. Due to his beliefs, his filters will make him perceive things differently than someone who does not believe. Hence this person will have a totally different perception of life and a way of living, than someone who does not believe. The believer will see the death of his mother as good thing, because she will know get a new chance on life. The atheist on the other hand will view the death as a tragedy and mourn.
Social filters can be occupation, level of education, environmental factors, role in society, and family upbringing. For example: ----
There are other factors that also have an effect on our perception of things, these influences can be called barriers. There is a difference between qualities possessed by things themselves and in the mind of a perceiver. Below I have explained a handful of the most important ones.
We disregard details and give weight to things that are not important.
We over generalise by treating small amounts of input as it was highly representative.
We ignore input that violates our expectations and preconceptions
We find a cause for something that has happened, without really knowing the truth.
We try to find simple explanations instead of complex ones.
We credit irrelevant information and we more habitually give notice to the negative information.
I think all these barriers are vital in distorting us from finding the real truth. Although, if we were able to understand and be aware of all our filters and barriers of perception. Then I believe one could find out how things really are, but only for oneself as an individual and only at that specific place, time, and language. You would see the truth because you would understand why and how you perceive all things. And hence understand the interpretation you have of all things.
Obviously for someone with different filters the truth will look different. Therefore there is theoretical possibility of seeing how things really are. Although simply to understand absolutely all of your filters is nearly impossible. So it is not very likely to happen in real life.
If you are not aware of your filters there is no way you can find out how things really are. Your filters alter your perception of the real world.
There is however an opportunity to improve your perception of things, an opportunity to understand things clearer and in a way overlook the influence of all your filters.
You can increase your understanding of the perception process and how you make sense of all the input.
You can increase your observational accuracy by still looking at the big picture, but also try to notice smaller details, by for example paying attention to eye contact, gestures and facial expressions.
You should question your interpretation of things and not just take them in.
You can share your perception with others, but always be receptive to their perception. You should focus on the thoughts of others, and know the circumstances that affect them.
It is a valid claim because if one could see through all the barriers, and the filters were removed, one would find out how things really are, one would see all aspects of new information and could re-examine and re-interpret everything in a way that was not influenced by filters.
