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
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00