Theoretically speaking, if we can implant a 4th type of cone cell that can detect ultraviolet light what is the minimum required integration into the brain that could yield or at least help us learn the new qualia of an ultraviolet color? Functionally speaking is it enough for a new qualia to emerge by just implanting the new cone cells along with the nerve fiber to connect to the parts that’s directly processing the signals from the other 3 types of cone cells (maybe implant some more brain cells at only that part of the brain too)?
In fact, this already happens. Tetrachromats can distinguish 4 primary colors (not necessarily ultraviolet, but I’ll have to check the research on that) and they have developed the quaila for it. To them, the rest of us are color-blind!
I thought about this long ago and devlopmed a conjecture that qualia emerges from the diffentiation of the differentiated input sensory stimulus. In short, the more “dimensions” there are to the sensory input, the more our brains will wire themselves to functionally distinguish among them.
Not being a practising neuroscientist, I have not had the chance to do experiments to falsify my conjectures on this. But basically, our qualia are not “hard-wired” per se, but is self-emergent by way of sensory differentiation.
There may already be research on this. I cannot be the only one to have thought of it!!
Fun fact - we can see other colors but the stuff on the front part of the eye filters it out. I have read in war history books that people that have had cataract surgery were used as sea-side spotters as the could see “invisible” signaling lights that were expected to be used to communicate with domestic spies.
And I also wonder if today’s display technology is ruining our perception of colors, because we don’t see the entire gamut through these displays.
I also heard that astronauts who see the Earth from orbit see more colors than normal:
(From Claude)
From orbit, astronauts see Earth in a way that’s profoundly different from our everyday experience. Their perspective, often called the “Overview Effect,” frequently transforms their relationship with our planet.
The view includes several striking features:
A thin blue line of atmosphere hugging the curve of Earth, shockingly fragile compared to the planet itself
Vibrant colors that shift as they pass over different terrains – deep blues of oceans, swirling cloud patterns, browns and greens of landmasses
No visible national borders, just one connected planetary system
The stark contrast between illuminated day side and darkened night side, with human settlements visible as webs of light in darkness
The speed of orbit (about 17,500 mph) means witnessing multiple sunrises and sunsets daily
Many astronauts report this view creates a profound cognitive shift. They describe a heightened awareness of Earth’s unity, fragility, and preciousness. Astronaut Edgar Mitchell called it “an overwhelming sense of universal connectedness.”
The perspective has inspired numerous astronauts to become environmental advocates upon returning to Earth, having witnessed firsthand how interconnected and delicate our planetary systems truly are.