Reality vs Sense: Ideas on What Makes Something Real

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In summary, the question of what makes something real is a fundamental question in philosophy, and can be dealt with in a variety of ways. One example is "Eight Lectures On Yoga" by Aleister Crowley, which discusses the perception of reality in great detail.
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einsteinian77
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Would anyone like to share ideas on what makes something real other than what our senses tell us to believe? Or are we completely dependant on our senses so that even if there was an alternate reality we would never wittness it as it really is. I know this sounds like something straight out of the matrix but I think its a fundametal question of philosophy regardless.
 
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It is a fundamental question in philosophy history.

ie The empiricism vs rationalism. Empiricism goes to experience or senses for proof. Rationalism( The classic divide is Locke, Berkeley, and Hume as empiricists. And Descartes, (Spinoza), and Leibniz as rationalists) goes to numbers, thoughts, ideas.

Personally I have a very slight suspect that thinking (abstract) isn't really something rational, outside sensing, but rather another sense, like listening, seeing, etc. But it's all guessing.
 
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Well i'd have to say gullibility has a lot to do with what we consider reality. Because certain things have been beaten into our minds ever since we were too young to doubt. A intellectually limited child may go its whole life believing that the moon was made of cheese if the child had no proof that said otherwise.

ie if nobody knows the truth, or can prove it then the lie is reality because nobody can 'sense' the difference
 
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Eight Lectures On Yoga

A great book which deals with the perception of reality is "Eight Lectures On Yoga" by Aleister Crowley.
It goes into some great detail about the interpreatation of electrical impulses to the brain, the illusion of colour etc. One must remember this book was published many years before the Matrix etc.
Another classic example in the book is the way Crowley explains about the perceptions of human character and form, and their permeability depending on conditioning, memory and preceonception.
Psychology for the advanced.
 

1. What is the difference between reality and sense?

Reality refers to the objective existence of things and events in the physical world, independent of human perception. Sense, on the other hand, refers to the subjective experience of reality through our senses, thoughts, and emotions.

2. Can something be real if we can't sense it?

Yes, something can still be considered real even if we can't sense it. For example, atoms and subatomic particles are real, but we cannot see or touch them. Our limited senses and perception do not determine the existence of something.

3. How do our senses shape our understanding of reality?

Our senses play a crucial role in shaping our understanding of reality. They provide us with information about the world around us, and our brain interprets this information to create our perception of reality. However, our senses can also be limited and may not always accurately reflect reality.

4. Are our perceptions of reality the same as everyone else's?

No, our perceptions of reality are not necessarily the same as everyone else's. Each individual has their own unique experiences, thoughts, and emotions that shape their perception of reality. Additionally, factors such as culture, upbringing, and personal biases can also influence our perception of reality.

5. Can our sense of reality be altered or manipulated?

Yes, our sense of reality can be altered or manipulated. For example, optical illusions can trick our senses and make us perceive something differently than it actually is. Additionally, external factors such as media and propaganda can also manipulate our perception of reality. It is important to critically evaluate and question our understanding of reality to avoid being influenced by external forces.

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