World of Illusions: Discover Dortmund's new exhibition on perception!

World of Illusions: Discover Dortmund's new exhibition on perception!

The new exhibition opened in Dortmunder U on March 8, 2025, which illuminates the complex topic of perception and its significant influence on our understanding of the world. In this interactive experience, visitors have the opportunity to explore their own perception through various illusions and experiments. The exhibition, organized by the Technical University of Dortmund, the Ruhr University of Bochum and the University of Duisburg-Essen, offers creative approaches to deal with the theoretical foundations of perception.

Exhibits range from optical illusions that vary colors and brightness depending on the environment, to a fascinating experiment with a rubber hand that can be experienced as a separate body part. These experiments are not only impressive but also educational; they are equipped with explanations that provide deeper insights into the neurological and philosophical theories of perception. Additionally, PC stations with videos and animations are available to round off the experience.

Scientific backgrounds and collaboration

The scientific responsibility for the exhibition lies with respected professors, including Prof. Katja Crone from the TU Dortmund, Prof. Albert Newen from the Ruhr University Bochum and Prof. Raphael van Riel from the University of Duisburg-Essen. They work together as part of the funded project “Systematic Analytical Philosophy in the Ruhr Area (SAPHIR)”, which has been supported by the Mercator Research Center Ruhr (MERCUR) with around 200,000 euros since October 2024. The aim of this project is to clarify fundamental questions of perception and knowledge within an interdisciplinary framework.

Neuroscience has shown that perception processes depend heavily on light stimuli on the retina. However, it remains a controversial topic whether seeing an object or hearing a sound is directly influenced by our background knowledge. This is where philosophers from the Ruhr University and neuroscientists from New York University come into play, who are working on a model of the mutual influence of sensory perception. Average consumers and scientists are often denied access to these complex discussions.

Opening times and lecture series

The exhibition is accessible free of charge during the opening hours of the Dortmunder U and is aimed particularly at students and prospective students who would like to gain an insight into studying philosophy at the TU Dortmund. There will also be free lectures as part of the exhibition on Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., for which registration is required.

The experiments and findings from the exhibition not only testify to the complexity of perception, but also illustrate how our knowledge can influence perception. Prof. Dr. Albert Newen explains that some optical illusions suggest that knowledge does not influence perception, but this cannot easily be generalized to everyday perceptions. Findings from experiments show that categories that guide perception are activated early in the brain.

Overall, this exhibition offers a unique platform to engage with a fascinating and profound topic that combines both philosophical and neuroscientific perspectives. Visitors have the opportunity to gain a deeper insight into the world of their own perception through interaction and reflection.