• BrianW
    999
    First, this is the definition google gives for perspective,

    perspective
    /pəˈspɛktɪv/
    noun
    1. the art of representing three-dimensional objects on a two-dimensional surface so as to give the right impression of their height, width, depth, and position in relation to each other.

    "the theory and practice of perspective"

    2. a particular attitude towards or way of regarding something; a point of view.
    "most guidebook history is written from the editor's perspective"
    synonyms: outlook, view, viewpoint, point of view, standpoint, position, stand, stance, angle, slant, attitude, frame of mind, frame of reference, approach, way of looking/thinking, vantage point, interpretation

    "her perspective on everything had been changing"

    Of the synonyms given, I think frame of reference gives the best context in terms of our language use of the word perspective. Basically, perspective means a way to relate.
    Our perceptions and conceptions may not be identical to what reality is, but, at least, they should serve the utility for which they exist. That is, to provide a frame of reference that allows us to relate to reality.

    So, my point is, with regards to the age old question of reality, is it not possible to arrive at a significant understanding of it no matter the direction which one approaches it from e.g. science, metaphysics, mathematics, art, etc, because, fundamentally, they all depend on the same mental techniques of focus, analysis and organisation for their mastery?

    "Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid." - Quote attributed to Albert Einstein.

    "A human being is a part of the whole called by us universe, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feeling as something separated from the rest, a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty." - Quote attributed to Albert Einstein.

    Can we learn to see the value of every school of thought as an aspect which contributes significantly to our perspective of reality without necessarily dismissing it for not being compatible with our reason. I'm not asking that we stop questioning, but whether there's an objective way to question which assigns credibility even without our personal acceptance of it.
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