These involve both direct valid cognition and inferential valid cognition. Mathematical models and inferences fall into the category of inferential valid cognition. The cognition that is produced by physical tools is considered a direct valid cognition, even though it is not directly perceived by the eyes. For example, seeing a person approaching through a telescope is also considered direct valid cognition.
Certainly, there is debate within Buddhism about whether things seen through a telescope or recorded on a video camera can be considered direct valid cognition. In ancient times, there were no video cameras, but now the question arises: Can things recorded on video cameras be considered direct valid cognition? The images captured and presented by video cameras and projectors are no longer considered direct valid cognition. However, things seen by a telescope are still considered direct valid cognition. For instance, which one is considered direct valid cognition: looking at me with glasses on or off? You cannot say that looking at me with the glasses on is not direct valid cognition but argue that only when seeing me with blurry eyes with the glasses off, it is considered direct valid cognition.(laughter)
In the same way, looking through a telescope and a microscope is considered direct valid cognition. On the other hand, what is recorded by a video camera cannot be considered direct valid cognition because it alters time and space.
Due to the limitations of the cognitive tools and the incomplete logical parameters, we are limited in our ability to draw comprehensive conclusions about the material world. Even powerful tools like radio telescopes that allow us to see distant galaxies or microscopes with immense magnification, there will always be something beyond your ability to see. We cannot use a microscope to see an indivisible subatomic particle or an indivisible moment in time. The "smallest thing" is always beyond our direct observation. Therefore, we use particle accelerators to collide with particles in an attempt to find even smaller components. However, many of the particles discovered now are the results of theoretical predictions based on these collisions, not directly observed by a microscope.
In modern times, relying on technology for observation introduces its own set of complexities. For example, attempting to see something in the distance in the fog adds additional parameters. If we do not account for these variables, our perceptions may be misguided, distorted, or obscured. Similarly, spatial distortions and changes can introduce errors in our perceptions. Physicists are well aware of this phenomenon. Hence, due to the constraints of cognitive tools and incomplete logical parameters, achieving comprehensive conclusions about the material world proves to be a challenging task.
No matter how great the technology and our cognitive tools have been advanced, there are still significant limitations when it comes to understanding some aspects of consciousness. Undoubtedly, technology can enhance our cognitive abilities tremendously. Take, for instance, the way we perform calculations. In the past, people had to do basic calculations mentally. However, today, people no longer have to proceed in this manner; they can simply click a few times on the calculator app on their smartphones to get instant results.
So, while technology can be beneficial, it is entirely clueless when it comes to certain aspects of consciousness, such as addressing emotional states. For instance, can a computer effectively treat depression? Absolutely not! You cannot ask AI, "I'm feeling down, can you help me?" Similarly, querying AI about overcoming the pain of a breakup would likely result in an unhelpful suggestion like, "Find someone new!" Technological tools are inadequate for solving these issues on their own. While there are methods like medication that could help, they are not genuine solutions; they merely suppress symptoms, just like knocking someone unconscious, which could briefly keep them away from their depression, but once they wake up, depression returns. By the same token, medication might alleviate depression temporarily, but it does not provide a lasting solution.
Excerpted from:Cognition and Expression Part One
