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Can we ever fully understand "what its like" to be human from an objective physical perspective?

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Final answer:

The inquiry into whether we can fully understand the human experience from an objective physical perspective touches on the limitations of human cognitive capabilities and the influence of the physical universe, highlighting the challenges in fully grasping the subjective aspects of consciousness, such as qualia, and the notion of free will.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question of whether we can fully understand 'what it's like' to be human from an objective physical perspective encompasses both the limits of human cognition and the extent to which the physical universe determines our understanding. It's clear that humans are bound by their mental faculties, which in turn are constrained by the structure and operations of the brain. From a purely scientific standpoint, characteristics of the physical universe can indeed be perceived and objectively measured by humans, yet we are also part of that universe, with our brains obeying its laws.

Even as we explore the laws of physics, we encounter questions about their ultimate comprehensibility. There may be limits to human understanding, as our cognitive tools and methods might not suffice to fully grapple with the complexities of the universe. People have proposed the idea that one day, with enough knowledge about the brain and behavior, human actions could be as predictable as physical phenomena, questioning the notion of human freedom.

On a more philosophical note, the matter of another's mind and the subjective experiences, such as pain and emotions, points to the qualia that accompanies physical activities. These are elements of consciousness that might elude a fully physicalist account of human nature. It underscores the debate regarding the possibility of ever reaching an objective comprehension of 'what it's like' to be human, raising questions about realities and the potential relativity when considering the very concept of reality.

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