Does All We Can See Include the Unseen?
The concept of materialism, whether one labels themselves an atheist, Buddhist, or even a dentist, often revolves around the idea that everything we perceive is made of matter. Yet, as philosopher and materialist physicist David Bohm famously stated, the unseen is no less real than the seen. This article explores the limitations of our perception and delves into the realm of the unseen, emphasizing the power of imagination and the nature of reality.
Materialism and Perception
No matter one's label, their perception is limited by the scope of the senses. Even the most ardent materialist would acknowledge that we can only directly see a tiny fraction of the electromagnetic spectrum. While we cannot see or directly experience phenomena such as magnetic fields, radio waves, or infrared light, we can still prove their existence with concrete evidence. For instance, the existence of magnetic fields can be demonstrated through the behavior of iron filings, and the effects of radio waves can be observed through communication devices.
Imagination and Limitations
Imagination can transcend the limitations of our perception, allowing us to think about things we cannot see. However, this imagination is rooted in what we already know, which are mere concepts. For example, a blind person who has never experienced the color red cannot imagine it despite understanding the concept of color. Similarly, the term "red" is a conventional concept; it could have been labeled "dog" or "nose" instead. The color red itself, or any color, is simply a concept used in communication and has no inherent meaning outside of our assigned labels. In a similar vein, the idea of "matter" is a concept, and nobody has ever seen matter. What we perceive as matter is an interpretation of the physical phenomena around us.
Materialism as a Boundary
Materialism can be seen as a framework for understanding the world, much like a religion. It can also serve as a boundary that can enslave us. In the metaphorical "hell," where burning is not literal but rather the burning of unquenchable desires, materialism can trap us in a cycle of never-ending pursuit and unhappiness. Genuine wisdom and enlightenment lie in recognizing the limitations of materialism and transcending these boundaries.
Expanding Perceptual Capabilities
Modern scientists believe that the visible light spectrum constitutes only 0.005% of the entire electromagnetic spectrum. This vast unexplored territory hints at the existence of realms of reality that are beyond our immediate perception. In this context, materialism is not the complete picture of existence. Just as a tiny fraction of the electromagnetic spectrum is visible to the naked eye, there are other dimensions and realms that may be accessible through advanced scientific methods or evolutionary changes in human perception.
Conclusion
Ultimately, what we can see is inherently limited by our perceptions, but this limitation does not diminish the value of the unseen. By acknowledging the limitations of materialism, we can explore other dimensions of reality and expand our understanding of the world. Materialism, like all frameworks, is a tool for understanding, but it is our responsibility to recognize its limitations and seek a more holistic understanding of existence.