Naive Realism

Naive realism is the idea that our senses allow us to have direct awareness of objects and that we see the world out there as it actually is, rather than appearing from our own perception.  For instance, the way we perceive colours is automatic and outside of our conscious choice.  We take it almost for granted that the colours are in the objects appearing in front of us, and do not see them as results of neural connections and the way our brains interpret particular frequencies of light.  And that is precisely why colour-blind people and animals interpret the same waves of light differently and thus see different colours.

You may then wonder, how does the understanding of the above affect the way we physically see in a functional manner?  Well clearly, it does not. But its implications are far more profound: it explains how it leads to so much diversity of viewpoints, opinions and beliefs in this world that deters kindness and compassion to be cultivated.  Conflict is fuelled by naive realism.  Having said that, I am not advocating consensus views across the board, as this is impossible.  Rather, I am suggesting that if how we see the world is such an illusory process and so "personal", then maybe we can try to have a little more respect for those that do not see eye to eye with us.  Perhaps being less judgemental is the very least that we can do right at this instance.