When we see light, we are perceiving it as particles, specifically as individual photons. Our visual perception of light is based on the interaction of photons with the light-sensitive cells in our eyes called photoreceptors.
Photons are packets of energy that exhibit both wave-like and particle-like behavior, as described by the wave-particle duality in quantum mechanics. However, the specific act of seeing light involves the detection of individual photons by our photoreceptors, which gives rise to our perception of light.
When photons enter our eyes, they interact with the photoreceptor cells in the retina, causing a series of chemical and electrical signals that are transmitted to the brain. These signals are then processed by the visual system, leading to the perception of light and the formation of visual images.
The interaction between photons and the photoreceptor cells can be thought of as a particle-like process. Each photon that is absorbed by a photoreceptor cell contributes to the generation of electrical signals that eventually lead to the perception of light. However, at the level of the electromagnetic field, light exhibits wave-like properties, such as interference and diffraction.
So, while the underlying nature of light encompasses both wave and particle aspects, our visual perception of light is primarily based on the detection and processing of individual photons, thus perceiving it as particles.