| Color Phi Phenomenon |
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The classic color phi phenomenon experiment involves a viewer or audience watching a screen, upon which the experimenter projects two images in succession. The first image depicts a blue dot at the top of the frame. The second image depicts a red dot on the bottom of the frame. The images may be shown quickly, in rapid succession, or each frame may be given several seconds of viewing time. Once both images have been projected, the experimenter asks the viewer or audience to describe what they saw. At certain combinations of spacing and timing of the two images, a viewer will report a sensation of motion in the space between two dots. The first spot will begin appear moving, and will then "change color abruptly in the middle of its illusory path". PHILOSOPHICAL SIGNIFICANCE The existence of the color phi phenomenon poses an interesting philosophical problem. When asked to describe their experience, subjects report the seeing the abrupt color change ''before'' the second dot is actually presented. However, logically, it is impossible for a subject to actually experience the color change before the second dot has been presented – how could the dot change color before the second dot is shown and the subject finds out what the color of the second dot is going to be? Philosopher Daniel Dennett relies upon the color phi phenomenon in his argument against a philosophy known as Cartesian Materialism . SEE ALSO EXTERNAL LINKS
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