Perception as the Dimensions of Existence: A Meta-Framework of Human Cognition (v2.0)

This paper proposes a meta-framework for the fundamental structure of human cognition: perception itself constitutes the dimensions of existence. This is not to say "we have perception, therefore we can know existence." Rather, it asserts: existence manifests itself precisely through being perceived. For human beings, the windows of perception — Form, Sound, Smell, Taste, Touch, Dharma, Space, and Time — are the dimensions of our existence. These dimensions are not "subjective filters" nor "distortions of objective reality." They are the sole channels through which existence becomes knowable to us, and the means by which we participate in the manifestation of the cosmos itself. This paper proposes the Holographic Picture: everything that humans can perceive and understand — each type of perception constitutes a dimension of existence. These dimensions are not a list of parallel items, but rather different projection directions within the same hologram — each dimension contains the information of the whole. This paper proposes Three-Dimensional Interaction: perceptual dimensions do not operate as parallel, non-intersecting channels. They are multiple facets of the same perceptual system — activated simultaneously, integrated in real time, and inseparable. Genuine experience is always a superposition of multiple dimensions (e.g., eating an apple is a superposition of Form + Touch + Smell + Taste + Sound + Dharma + Space + Time). This paper proposes Perceptual Situation: authenticity is not an inherent property of things, but a situation emerging from the three-dimensional interaction of multi-dimensional perception. This paper further argues that all existence, regardless of complexity, is a combination of different levels and structures. If light is a superposition state, then everything in existence is essentially a superposition state — including space-time itself, as well as matter, energy, and situation itself. It is precisely through multiple nested superpositions and coupled combinations that overall stability is achieved. This paper elaborates on the meaning, independence, physical basis, and the way each perceptual dimension contributes to the emergence of "authenticity" through three-dimensional interaction. It also argues for the special status of the Dharma dimension — as the only dimension capable of symbolically representing other dimensions and the only dimension capable of self-awareness — thereby serving as the organ through which the cosmos understands itself through humanity. Finally, this paper presents falsifiability conditions and invites readers to corroborate or question them.