Reality is not found; it is built in real time
In short: If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound? This classic riddle assumes an objective world exists independently of our senses. Psychologist Lisa Feldman Barrett suggests a more radical answer: reality is constructed by your brain as you experience it.
Relational realism is the name of the conceptual model put forward by Northeastern University's Distinguished Professor of Psychology, Lisa Feldman Barrett. This theory moves beyond the binary of objective realism—the idea that the world exists exactly as it is regardless of observers—and subjective idealism, which suggests reality is purely a product of individual minds. Instead, relational realism posits that reality is built in real time from two primary ingredients: incoming sensory signals and your remembered past. These elements combine to form what Barrett calls your 'Perception Box,' a unique lens through which every moment is interpreted and rendered into a coherent experience. This perspective fundamentally changes how we understand human interaction and conflict. Because your Perception Box is constructed from your specific history and biological signals, two people can experience the exact same moment in vastly different ways.
When people argue over 'the truth,' they are often arguing over the specific construction of their own realities. Understanding that reality exists in relation to the observer—and in relation to others—allows for a shift from seeking a single objective truth to acknowledging the diverse ways humans construct their worlds. Barrett’s research, which includes over 200 peer-reviewed papers on neuroscience and emotion, suggests that our brains are not passive recorders of the world but active architects. By recognizing that our perceptions are constructed, we can use curiosity as a tool to expand our access to different realities. Rather than assuming our view is the only one, we can seek to understand the unique Perception Boxes of others, potentially leading to deeper empathy and a more nuanced understanding of human nature.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: The famous tree-falling thought experiment has a new answer | Lisa Feldman Barrett
- Also: Lisa Feldman Barrett | Speaker | TED
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