Formalizing the Paradox of Mediated Observation Through a Three-Mirror Geometric Experiment (The Three Mirrors Paradox)

This article examines a thought experiment involving three mirrors (A, B, C) in Euclidean space, demonstrating a paradox of mediated observation. The study establishes that under the conditions where: 1) direct interaction between A and B is impossible, and 2) C monopolizes information transmission between them, C's projections become the sole accessible reality for A and B. This leads to the fundamental impossibility of establishing objective truth and gives rise to the phenomenon of "mutual non-existence" of objects within a shared space. The findings challenge classical objectivity assumptions in epistemology (cf. Kant's phenomenal/noumenal distinction), while resonating with: Baudrillard's hyperreality in mediated systems; Putnam's brain-in-a-vat thought experiment; Wittgenstein's private language argument. The results offer new perspectives for epistemology, philosophy of mind, and communication theory by providing a formal framework to examine objectivity in perfectly mediated systems, thereby complementing existing approaches to intersubjective verification.

Publication Details

Journal
PhilPapers (PhilPapers Foundation)
Published
2025-01-01
Primary Topic
Philosophy and Theoretical Science
Type
article
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article

Formalizing the Paradox of Mediated Observation Through a Three-Mirror Geometric Experiment (The Three Mirrors Paradox)

PhilPapers (PhilPapers Foundation)
Philosophy and Theoretical Science
article

Formalizing the Paradox of Mediated Observation Through a Three-Mirror Geometric Experiment (The Three Mirrors Paradox)

article en

Abstract

This article examines a thought experiment involving three mirrors (A, B, C) in Euclidean space, demonstrating a paradox of mediated observation. The study establishes that under the conditions where: 1) direct interaction between A and B is impossible, and 2) C monopolizes information transmission between them, C's projections become the sole accessible reality for A and B. This leads to the fundamental impossibility of establishing objective truth and gives rise to the phenomenon of "mutual non-existence" of objects within a shared space. The findings challenge classical objectivity assumptions in epistemology (cf. Kant's phenomenal/noumenal distinction), while resonating with: Baudrillard's hyperreality in mediated systems; Putnam's brain-in-a-vat thought experiment; Wittgenstein's private language argument. The results offer new perspectives for epistemology, philosophy of mind, and communication theory by providing a formal framework to examine objectivity in perfectly mediated systems, thereby complementing existing approaches to intersubjective verification.

PhilPapers (PhilPapers Foundation)
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Formalizing the Paradox of Mediated Observation Through a Three-Mirror Geometric Experiment (The Three Mirrors Paradox) · PhilPapers (PhilPapers Foundation) (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS