the definition for reality (in philosophy) is something that exists independently of ideas concerning it. i've thought about it, but I really can't figure out what that means.
2006-08-29 15:29:59 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science ➔ Psychology
If something is real, it exists whether or not you think it does. For example, there's a hockey puck sitting on my desk right now. You might not believe me, but it's still there. (Going by your definition. Personally, I think reality is relative.)
2006-08-29 15:36:29 · answer #1 · answered by spunk113 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, if you get deep into some philosophical thought, real is what the majority of people agree on as being real.
Such as...If I see an alien space ship, and no one else does then it is not going to be considered real, and I will probably be seen as having a mental disorder.
Essentially, since the only measurements we have to test whether something is real or not is our perceptions, real is in essence relative.
Science is based on the perceptions of the majority. Hence, almost everyone will perceive a ten foot truck as being ten feet long. So it's real.
Most people will perceive that truck as being there, so it's really there.
But breaking things down. You can never actually prove that the truck really is there. Nor can you prove that it's not.
Here's an example.
The truck is there:
No it's not, it's a complex hallucination perceived by the masses.
It's not a complex hallucination, I can feel it.
You can hallucinate the sense of touch. In fact any sense.
A pretty simplified example, but you actually can never prove or disprove anything.
Only determine that something is more likely. There is no sure thing in science, the varying degrees of uncertainty.
2006-08-29 16:09:21 · answer #2 · answered by cat_Rett_98 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Quite simply put, our five senses determine what our reality is. The "ideas" you refer to could be the interpretation of the information our brain receives form our senses. Everyone has a unique interpretation of information. I guess reality is what you make it!
2006-08-29 16:06:57 · answer #3 · answered by vande-man 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my brother thinks im crazy cuz i think its possible nothing exists and this is all a dream.. you never know when something is real.. you have to rely on your senses while youre alive i guess.. maybe we'll find out after life
2006-08-29 15:38:15 · answer #4 · answered by Xx__NyZ_CLaRiTy__xX 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it is independent of ideas, how can it be real?
2006-08-29 15:35:24 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It means that it does not need anybody to believe in it to make it real... My thinking is... If you can touch it, smell it, feel it, experience it... it is real.
2006-08-29 15:36:30 · answer #6 · answered by iluvafrica 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Physics and science hence zealot skeptics.
nuffsaid
2006-08-29 15:35:45 · answer #7 · answered by Labatt113 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Read "The Velveteen Rabbit"
And you will have your answer to what is real.
2006-08-29 15:54:29 · answer #8 · answered by Salsa 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is only reality if you perceive it to be.
2006-08-29 15:40:12 · answer #9 · answered by fred f 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck...it's a duck.
2006-08-29 15:35:30 · answer #10 · answered by wondering 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋