Decoding Shadows
On the meaning of a model
Interlocutor: ChatGPT-4o
KT: Describe this photo.
GPT: This black-and-white photo shows the shadow of a person projected onto a concrete surface. The shadow is cast by the person who appears to be standing near a ledge or a low wall, which is visible in the bottom left corner of the image. The wall is made of a solid material, possibly stone or concrete, with a smooth texture and rounded edges. The shadow itself is clearly defined, suggesting a sunny or bright day, and the person's outline shows a distinct head and hand, possibly holding something. The concrete surface on which the shadow falls is slightly rough, adding texture to the scene.
KT: Assume the shadow is cast by a statue. Can you identify the work?
GPT: The shadow in the photo appears to be cast by a statue that is likely a famous work of art. Given the distinctive shape, particularly the profile of the head and hand, it closely resembles the iconic sculpture "The Thinker" by Auguste Rodin. "The Thinker" depicts a man in deep contemplation, often resting his chin on his hand. The shadow’s silhouette matches the pose and form of this well-known statue.
KT: For comparison and to help visualize the situation, prepare a rendering of "The Thinker" casting a shadow.
GPT: Here is the rendering of Auguste Rodin’s sculpture “The Thinker” casting a shadow. This should help visualize the situation described.
KT: That shows a shadow cast on a wall, while the photo shows a shadow cast on the ground.
GPT: Here is the updated rendering of Auguste Rodin’s sculpture “The Thinker” casting a shadow on the ground. This should provide a clearer comparison to the original photo you provided.
KT: That's more helpful, although the shadow is only in the margins. Let's examine another photo.
GPT: Sure, feel free to upload another photo, and I'll assist you with examining it.
KT: What do you see here?
GPT: This black-and-white photo shows two distinct shadows cast on a tiled ground. The shadows are elongated, suggesting that the light source is positioned at a low angle, such as during early morning or late afternoon. The ground is composed of square tiles, which are neatly aligned and have a slightly rough texture.
The shapes of the shadows resemble those of birds in flight, with outstretched wings. The shadows are darker in the center and become lighter towards the edges, indicating a strong and direct light source. The overall scene suggests an urban or outdoor setting, possibly near a building or structure where birds are commonly seen.
KT: Assuming this is an indoor setting, what do you conclude about the birds?
GPT: Assuming this photo was taken in an indoor setting, the shadows of the birds likely suggest that they are not real birds but rather sculptures, models, or another form of artistic representation. The following observations support this conclusion:
Shadows on the Ground: For birds to cast such distinct shadows on the ground indoors, they would need to be positioned relatively close to the light source and surface. This is more consistent with fixed objects like sculptures or models, rather than live birds.
Light Source: The strong and direct light source creating such defined shadows indoors could be from spotlights or other controlled lighting typically used in museums, galleries, or exhibitions to highlight specific objects.
Fixed Shadows: The clarity and position of the shadows suggest the birds are stationary, which is unlikely for live birds indoors.
Therefore, it's reasonable to conclude that the birds are likely some form of static display, such as sculptures or art installations, positioned in a way to cast interesting shadows on the ground.
KT: Let's consider another photo. What's going on in this scene?
GPT: This black-and-white photo depicts a long, narrow corridor with a series of evenly spaced columns on the left side and a wall on the right side. The corridor is illuminated by a strong light source, likely natural sunlight, coming from the left, casting distinct shadows of the columns onto the wall on the right.
The shadows create a repetitive pattern of light and dark areas, with the shadow of each column stretching diagonally across the wall. The ceiling of the corridor has a series of light fixtures, which appear to be small, round lamps, evenly spaced along the length of the corridor.
The perspective of the photo creates a sense of depth, leading the viewer's eye towards the dark, distant end of the corridor. The architectural style, with its classical columns and clean lines, suggests this could be part of a historical building, museum, or similar structure. The overall composition emphasizes symmetry, contrast, and the interplay of light and shadow.
KT: Briefly, connect these photos to Plato's allegory of the cave.
GPT: These photos can be connected to Plato's Allegory of the Cave in the following ways:
Shadows and Reality: In the allegory, prisoners in a cave see only shadows on a wall, mistaking them for reality. The shadows in the photos symbolize this concept, as they represent only a partial and indirect view of the objects casting them, much like the prisoners' limited perception of reality.
Illusion vs. Enlightenment: The columns and shadows in the corridor photo emphasize the idea of moving from darkness (ignorance) to light (knowledge). The corridor's depth and the light streaming in from the side suggest a journey towards enlightenment, similar to the prisoners' journey out of the cave into the sunlight.
Perception and Understanding: The birds' shadows indoors hint at objects casting those shadows being artificial representations, paralleling the prisoners' realization that the shadows they see are not the true form of reality. This encourages viewers to question their own perceptions and seek deeper understanding.
Overall, the photos visually represent key themes of the allegory: the distinction between appearance and reality, the quest for knowledge, and the transformative journey from ignorance to enlightenment.
KT: Is that a good characterization of the corridor photo, given the darkness at the far end? Revise point 2.
GPT: You are right; the darkness at the far end of the corridor photo needs to be considered. Here’s the revised point 2:
2. Illusion and the Journey to Enlightenment: The corridor photo, with its long shadows and the dark end, can symbolize the journey from ignorance to knowledge. The progression of light and shadow along the corridor represents the gradual process of enlightenment. The darkness at the far end may suggest that the journey towards true understanding is ongoing and that there are always more layers of reality to uncover, much like the prisoners' challenging ascent from the cave into the light of the sun.
KT: Briefly, how are the photos themselves like shadows?
GPT: The photos themselves are like shadows in the following ways:
Representation: Just as shadows are indirect representations of objects, photos are representations of reality, capturing only a moment in time and a limited perspective.
Perception: Both photos and shadows provide incomplete views, requiring interpretation and often missing the full context or three-dimensional depth of the actual objects or scenes.
Illusion: Similar to shadows, photos can create illusions or emphasize certain aspects while omitting others, influencing how we perceive and understand what is depicted.
KT: Is the text of your interpretation yet another form of shadow?
GPT: Yes, the text of my interpretation is yet another form of shadow:
Abstraction: Just as shadows and photos are abstractions of reality, my interpretation is an abstraction of the photos, further removed from the original objects or scenes.
Mediation: My words mediate the reader's understanding of the photos, similar to how shadows mediate our understanding of the objects casting them.
Perspective: The interpretation offers a specific perspective, which, like shadows and photos, may highlight certain elements while omitting others, providing an incomplete but insightful view.
KT: Connect this discussion to the subject of scientific realism.
GPT: This discussion connects to the subject of scientific realism in several ways:
Representation of Reality: In scientific realism, it is believed that scientific theories and models represent an objective reality, albeit indirectly. Just as shadows and photos are representations of physical objects, scientific theories are representations of the underlying reality of the natural world.
Layers of Understanding: Similar to how shadows and photos offer partial views that require interpretation, scientific theories provide a partial understanding of reality that can be progressively refined. Each interpretation or model offers deeper insight, akin to moving from the shadows in Plato's cave toward the light of greater knowledge.
Perception and Interpretation: The way we interpret shadows, photos, and texts mirrors how scientists interpret empirical data and theoretical models. Both require acknowledging the limitations of perception and the influence of perspective on understanding, emphasizing the provisional and evolving nature of scientific knowledge.
Objective Reality: Scientific realism asserts that there is an objective reality independent of our perceptions, similar to the real objects casting shadows in Plato's allegory. While our interpretations and models (shadows, photos, texts) may be imperfect, they aim to reflect this objective reality as closely as possible, despite inherent limitations and potential distortions.
KT: What about scientific anti-realism?
GPT: The discussion also connects to scientific anti-realism in the following ways:
Perception vs. Reality: Scientific anti-realism holds that scientific theories do not necessarily represent an objective reality but are useful instruments for predicting and organizing experiences. Just as shadows and photos are not the objects themselves, scientific models may not reflect true underlying entities but rather serve as practical tools.
Constructed Understanding: The way shadows, photos, and texts are interpreted reflects the anti-realist view that our scientific understanding is constructed rather than discovered. These interpretations depend on our perspectives and frameworks, suggesting that what we "see" is shaped by our theoretical lenses.
Instrumental Utility: In anti-realism, the emphasis is on the utility of scientific theories rather than their truth. Shadows and photos provide useful information about the objects they represent without being those objects. Similarly, scientific theories are valued for their explanatory and predictive power rather than their claim to mirror reality.
Provisional Knowledge: The idea that our interpretations (of shadows, photos, or scientific theories) are inherently limited aligns with the anti-realist view that scientific knowledge is always provisional and subject to change. This perspective highlights the practical success of science without committing to the existence of an objective reality behind the models and theories.
KT: Prepare a fantastical illustration reflecting the issues raised thus far.
GPT: Here is the fantastical illustration reflecting the issues of Plato’s Allegory of the Cave, scientific realism, and anti-realism. This visual representation blends classical and modern elements, depicting the journey from perception to deeper understanding in a surreal and thought-provoking manner.
KT: How should the two halves be interpreted?
GPT: The two halves of the illustration should be interpreted as follows:
Left Half: Enlightenment and Scientific Realism
Bright Sunlight: Represents the clarity and illumination of knowledge and truth, akin to the prisoners emerging from the cave into the light.
Detailed Structures: Symbolize the well-defined theories and models in scientific realism, where entities and their interactions are understood to represent an objective reality.
Classical Imagery: Suggests the enduring quest for knowledge, connecting ancient philosophical pursuits to modern scientific endeavors.
Right Half: Uncertainty and Scientific Anti-Realism
Shrouded in Mist: Represents the uncertainty and provisional nature of knowledge in scientific anti-realism, where models and theories are seen as useful tools rather than true reflections of reality.
Abstract, Shifting Forms: Indicate the fluid and changing nature of scientific theories, emphasizing the perspective that scientific knowledge is constructed and not necessarily an accurate depiction of an objective world.
Modern and Abstract Elements: Reflect the complexity and evolving nature of scientific inquiry, illustrating how interpretations and models can vary and change over time.
Together, these halves highlight the dual perspectives of scientific realism and anti-realism, illustrating the ongoing philosophical debate about the nature of scientific knowledge and its relationship to reality.
KT: We’ve arrived at a model-generated model of the nature of models.
Note that in the 2020 PhilPapers Survey of professional philosophers, 72% favored scientific realism and 15% favored scientific anti-realism.