The Unchanging Architecture of Human Perception

In the modern world of scientific discoveries, the interaction between genetics and the psyche always leaves room for discussing the fundamental basis of our perception. On one hand, impressive changes in the genetic code are capable of affecting physiological processes and even certain peculiarities of the sensory organs, opening prospects for influencing both the physiological and psychological aspects of a human being. On the other hand, finely tuned mechanisms of perception, such as the structuring of the world in time and space, demonstrate their immutability and invariability, as they are embedded in the very core of our experience.

An introduction to this topic helps us realize that different aspects of human existence have their own origins. The genetic component, which influences our physiology and character traits, undoubtedly plays an important role in forming us as individuals—while the processes of upbringing merely reinforce or correct these innate predispositions. Nevertheless, the basic conditions under which we perceive the surrounding reality exist independently of genetic variations. These a priori forms of consciousness, which determine the structure of space and time, are an integral foundation for human experience.

The main part of the discussion leads us to the conclusion about the duality of human experience: on one hand, heredity and upbringing have a decisive influence on individual characteristics and physiological processes, and on the other, the methods of perception that define how we interact with the world remain unchanged. Even in the face of radical genetic alterations, the fundamental principles upon which our empirical consciousness is built remain constant, demonstrating the efficacy of evolutionarily established information-processing mechanisms.

The conclusion sums up by stating that while genetic modifications can transform certain aspects of an organism’s functioning, the fundamental a priori forms of perception continue to serve as the immutable foundation of our experience. This insight not only deepens our understanding of the nature of consciousness but also inspires further exploration into the continuous interaction between innate structures and the environment, creating a unique synergy of human existence.

Is it possible, by altering one’s genes, to truly influence space and time, thereby changing our perception of the world?

By altering genes, one can expect changes in physiological processes and possibly in some aspects of the sensory system, but the fundamental conditions of our perception remain unchanged. As noted in one source: "We perceive things in space and time: these are the conditions; these are the general 'forms' of our perceptions..." (source: link txt, page: 2706). This quote emphasizes that space and time are an inseparable structure of our experience, a priori givens without which empirical consciousness does not exist.

On the other hand, another quote reminds us that "in man, everything is decisively determined by heredity, by genes—everything!—by upbringing" (source: link txt, Page 1986). This confirms the importance of genetic factors in forming many aspects of the human body and psyche. However, even though genes determine many physiological and psychological properties, the basic structure of the perceived world is not genetically set but is defined by the functional a priori forms of consciousness.

Thus, even with genetic modifications, the fundamental conditions of perception—such as structuring the world in time and space—remain immutable, as they are inherent features of the functioning of our consciousness.

Supporting citation(s):
"We perceive things in space and time: these are the conditions; these are the general 'forms' of our perceptions..." (source: link txt, page: 2706)
"...in man, everything is decisively determined by heredity, by genes—everything!—by upbringing." (source: link txt, Page 1986)