The reality of reality

Ever since their inception on Earth, humankind has come across unanswered questions and unquestioned answers about their existence. Whom and what are they created for? Is human life inherently good, or is it the other way round, or somewhere in between? Are humans the ultimate manifestation of creation vis-à-vis the conceptualisation of the world? What is reality in itself? Does the mind define and shape reality, or is it the other way round?

For a layman, reality is what society tells it to be or what one observes and personally experiences. In the simplest terms, reality is the totality of all that exists or is real in the universe. However, what defines the nature and actuality of these things still begs for conclusive answers. Is what we are told the only reality? Or are they mere reflections of an inexplicably real reality?

Philosophers, particularly in ontology and epistemology, inquire into the nature of reality and knowledge, questioning what is objectively real and how we can understand the world beyond our subjective experiences. Reality, in philosophy, transcends individual perspectives and encompasses the objective, underlying truths about existence. However, the existence of objective reality has remained subject to debate for millennia. Is it something that exists in actuality, or is it something that we draw from our subjectivity? Even if it exists, is objective reality suggestive of its meaning and nature?

The meaning of reality in philosophy refers to the fundamental nature of existence and the state of being real. For instance, ontology delves into the examination of assumptions about existence and the definitions of reality. Essentially, it explores our perception of what is considered real and what isn’t. It poses questions like: How do we perceive and think about reality? How do we determine what is real?

Is there subjectivity in reality, where something is real for one person but not for another? Does our notion of reality have universal validity, implying that if something is real for one, it must be real for all? Ontology, therefore, deals with the way we perceive the world and the assumptions we make about the nature and reality of the phenomena constituting our world. However, the subjective and objective ways these assumptions are framed have been subjected to questioning.

What are subjective and objective realities, and how are the two related to or influence each other? The former implies interpretations or perceptions of something within one’s mind. That is to say, subjective reality is related to a person or subject’s perspective or preferred account of things. Therefore, subjective reality often varies from person to person and is determined by cognitive filters, preferences and prejudices. It contains multiple realities constructed by individual and collective perspectives. In other words, subjective reality is the outcome of cognitive construction.

The objective reality, in contrast, is said to be the existence of things as such. That is, it’s something that is believed to exist regardless of human interpretations. Objective reality is divorced from personal views or emotions. Instead, it stands for factual and unbiased analysis, decisions or reports. Nevertheless, it’s the subjective assessment that brings to light the objective reality through inference.

For instance, it’s the subjective reality-shadow that humans tend to figure out as its source. The source of this shadow is what objective reality is often based on. This indicated that without conceptualising shadow (subjectivity), we can rarely take account of its source (objectivity). Though the two are inseparably linked, their conclusive nature remains subject to debate and is inconclusive.

In other words, the reflection of reality, not necessarily its source, is subject to evolution. The shadow might change, and so too might the constructed concepts around its source. Unless anything escapes the notice of sensory perceptions or human understanding, the reality of reality would remain subject to question.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 3^rd, 2024.

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