Noumena and Phenomena

Network Rail chose to delay several freight and passenger trains in Lancashire, England recently because of damage to a rail bridge. Following minor tremors, someone posted a photo showing severe damage to the bridge. Based on that photo, rail authorities acted from caution and halted the trains—as any reasonable person might do.Here’s the thing, though: There was no damage to the bridge. The image that circulated was AI-generated.Kant had a pretty bold claim about the universe we call home. Kant argued that there are real things—things as they are. These, he called “noumena.” Then there are our perceptions of things. These aren’t things as they really are, but only as we perceive them. These, he called “phenomena.” ... This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chapainsights.substack.com/subscribe