On the Nature of Human Physical Cognition: Limited Fitting, StageDependent Validity, and Awe for Cosmic Laws

In the history of physics, there exists a common misinterpretation: the awe felt by scientists toward the objective order of the universe is misread as belief in metaphysics or a personal deity. All human understandings of nature are essentially fittings of objective laws. Mathematical fitting is only one form of fitting, and fitting results are only locally and stagedependently valid. No manmade theory can be equated with the ontological truth of the universe. Constrained by individual lifespan and cognitive limits, researchers’ sense of awe in face of infinite cosmic laws reflects rational perception rather than a turn toward theological belief. Furthermore, no human being can fully break free from the ideological context of their era; it is inappropriate to judge historical scientists solely by modern standards. This paper identifies prevalent cognitive fallacies, draws a clear line between reverence for objective laws and metaphysical superstition, and establishes a rational standpoint for understanding physical cognition.