‘ambiguity is an accuracy signal.’
# Interpretation
The possibilities of interpretation are vast, shaped by individual perspectives, cultural contexts, and the interplay between [[imagination]] and [[perception]]. To move beyond mere comprehension toward understanding, one must embrace openness to ambiguity and contradiction, recognising that [[Meaning]] often emerges through relational or dualistic frameworks—such as presence and absence, self and other, or finite and infinite. This [[Dualism]] need not be limiting but can serve as a dynamic space where tensions are explored, fostering a deeper engagement with the complexities of existence and the interconnectedness of disparate ideas.
Timothy Morton’s concept of “ambiguity as an accuracy signal” connects ambiguity with the idea of precision in understanding complex systems. Morton uses the analogy of an optometrist fine-tuning a prescription to highlight that ambiguity can indicate proximity to an optimal state. When faced with two nearly indistinguishable options, the ambiguity reveals that the system has reached its limits of differentiation, offering the best possible resolution given its constraints. This contrasts with conventional thinking that treats ambiguity as a flaw or a sign of error .
Philosophically, this idea resonates with Morton’s broader ecological thinking, where he argues that our reality is inherently interconnected and imprecise. The ambiguity in our perceptions is not a failure but rather a truthful reflection of how things coexist and interact within a complex, dynamic system. It acknowledges the limitations of human perception and the gaps between what we experience and what is fundamentally real .
In ecological and artistic contexts, Morton sees ambiguity as a [[Productivity|productive]] force. For example, in exploring [[Ecology|environmental]] issues or creating art, embracing ambiguity allows us to see entanglements and relationships that transcend [[binary]] distinctions, like subject versus object or human versus non-human. This approach suggests that recognising and working with ambiguity is essential for understanding and engaging with the world’s complexities .