Have you ever just sat back and thought to yourself about your perception on reality? More than likely if you’re like me then that is answer is going to be no, not really. Perception is the detailed process of interpreting and making sense of a combination of sensations (al, G.E. 2020 pg.97). Just because you might not think about perception does not mean that it’s not an everyday part of your life. Everyone has their own perception on life and not everyone’s perception is going to be the same as yours.
Sensory input causes people to have their own perception. There are several different factors as to why perception is different from one person to the next. Drugs and mental illnesses both are examples of what could cause one’s perception to be altered (pg. 97). Schizophrenia is one of the most known mental illnesses that causes hallucinations. Hallucinations tricks the mind into believing things are happening and going on that really isn’t, causing them to live in a false reality. That can create dangerous situations not only for the one having the hallucination, but as for the other people who may be around them at the time. Certain drugs can also alter the mind and cause hallucinations (pg. 98)
Hallucinations can make one believe that they can hear, see, feel, or even taste things that are not there. When that happens, it can cause the person venture out into the world possibly causing havoc and potentially causing themselves and the people around them injuries or even death. It is always wise to have continuous system to connect yourself with environment, so you can respond quickly to the changes going on around you (pg. 100).
A Greek philosopher named Protagoras once said, “man is nothing but a bundle of sensations” (pg. 96). After spending the time studying it and really getting an actual real understanding of sensation and perception, I think I can agree with him. If you ever feel like you’re living in an imaginary reality, your perception of things is being affected somehow. When that is going on, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
References
al, G. (2020). Introduction to Psychology From a Christian Worldview. Kendall Hunt Publishing team. Retrieved from https://libertyonline.vitalsource.com/#/books/978179241540/
You must be logged in to post a comment.