Subject and object are intertwined in perception from "summary" of Phenomenology of Perception by Maurice Merleau-Ponty
In perception, the subject and object are not separate entities but are deeply interconnected. The subject does not exist in isolation from the object; rather, they are intertwined in a dynamic relationship. This relationship is not a one-way street where the subject passively receives information from the object. Instead, it is a reciprocal process where the subject actively engages with the object, shaping and being shaped by it in return. When we perceive an object, we do not simply observe it from a distance as an outsider. Instead, we immerse ourselves in the experience, allowing our pre-existing beliefs, attitudes, and emotions to influence how we perceive the object. Our perception is not a neutral and objective representation of the world but is colored by our subjective experiences and biases. In this way, our perception of an object is always mediated by our own subjectivity. At the same time, the object itself plays an active role in shaping our perception. The object does not exist independently of our perception of it but is co-constituted by our interactions with it. As we engage with the object, we come to know it not as an abstract entity but as a concrete presence in our lived experience. The object reveals itself to us through our embodied interactions with it, shaping how we perceive and understand it. This intertwining of subject and object in perception challenges traditional dualistic views that posit a clear separation between the two. Instead, it suggests a more nuanced understanding of perception as a relational and dynamic process. Our perception of the world is not a passive reflection of an external reality but is an active and ongoing engagement with the world around us. By recognizing the interconnection between subject and object in perception, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the richness and complexity of our lived experience.
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