Why reality is not real at all !!!

 Reality is often considered to be the objective truth that exists independent of human perception. However, some philosophers argue that reality is an illusion, and that what we experience is merely a subjective interpretation of the world around us. In this blog post, we will explore some of the reasons why reality might be considered an illusion.

Perception is subjective-

Our perception of the world is inherently subjective, and this subjectivity can be influenced by a number of factors. For example, when we look at a color, what we perceive as blue might look different to someone else. This is because our brains interpret the information that comes through our senses differently based on our individual experiences and beliefs.

Real-life example: When looking at a dress, some people see it as blue and black, while others see it as white and gold. This is an example of how our individual perception can differ, and how what we see as reality is actually subjective.

Reality is always changing-

The world around us is in a constant state of flux, and what we perceive as reality is just a snapshot of the present moment. Our perception of reality is also limited by our biological constraints, such as our inability to see ultraviolet or infrared light. Moreover, our understanding of the world is constantly evolving as we learn new information and gain new experiences.

Real-life example: A person who has been living in a rural area all their life might perceive the world very differently from someone who has grown up in a big city. Their experiences and understanding of reality would be shaped by their environment and upbringing.

Reality is influenced by language-

The words we use to describe the world around us can shape how we think about it. Different languages have different words for colors, and this can affect how people perceive and categorize them. Similarly, by having different words to describe different types of mental states, we can more accurately understand and communicate about them.

Real-life example: In some cultures, there are words for emotions that don't exist in other cultures. For example, the word "schadenfreude" in German describes the feeling of pleasure derived from someone else's misfortune. By having a specific word for this emotion, German speakers are able to more accurately describe and understand this complex feeling.

Reality is a construct-

Some philosophers argue that reality is a construct of our minds, and that what we perceive as reality is actually a mental construct that we create based on our experiences and beliefs. In this view, reality is not objective or independent of human perception, but is rather a product of it.

Real-life example: The concept of time is a construct that we use to make sense of the world around us. However, different cultures have different ways of measuring time. For example, the Amondawa people of Brazil do not use the same linear concept of time as Western cultures. Instead, they view time as cyclical, with events repeating themselves in a predictable pattern. This shows how reality is not an objective truth, but rather a construct that we create based on our experiences and beliefs.

Reality is mediated by our senses-

Our senses are the primary way that we experience the world around us. However, our senses are limited and can be easily fooled. Optical illusions, for example, demonstrate how our brains can be tricked into perceiving things that aren't actually there.

Real-life example: The "spinning dancer" illusion is an example of how our perception can be manipulated. Depending on which way you see the figure spinning, you might perceive it as spinning clockwise or counterclockwise. However, in reality, the image is simply a two-dimensional animation.

Reality is shaped by our expectations-

Our expectations of what we will experience can shape our perception of reality. For example, when we expect something to be painful, we might experience more pain than we actually should. Similarly, when we expect to see something, we might unconsciously fill in missing details to make it conform to our expectations.

Real-life example: In a study conducted by psychologist Richard Wiseman, participants were shown a video of a basketball game and were asked to count the number of passes made by one of the teams. During the video, a person in a gorilla suit walks across the court, but many participants failed to notice this because they were so focused on counting passes. This shows how our expectations can shape our perception of reality.

Reality is a social construct-

Our understanding of reality is not just shaped by our individual experiences, but is also influenced by the social and cultural context in which we live. For example, our understanding of gender roles or race is heavily influenced by the social norms and expectations of the society we live in.

Real-life example: In many cultures, the idea of personal space is different. In some cultures, it is common to stand very close to others when speaking, while in others it is considered rude to invade someone's personal space. This shows how our understanding of reality is shaped by the cultural norms and expectations of the society we live in.

Reality is influenced by our emotions-

Our emotions can also influence our perception of reality. For example, when we are in a good mood, we might perceive things more positively than when we are in a bad mood. Similarly, when we are anxious or stressed, we might perceive threats or danger more acutely than when we are calm.

Real-life example: In a study conducted by psychologists Robert Zajonc and Hazel Markus, participants were shown Chinese characters and asked to rate how pleasant they found them. Participants who were exposed to the characters repeatedly over time rated them more positively than those who were only exposed to them once. This suggests that our emotions can influence our perception of reality over time.

In conclusion, the idea that reality is an illusion is a complex and nuanced one that has been debated by philosophers and scientists for centuries. By understanding the various factors that influence our perception of reality, we can gain a deeper appreciation of the complex nature of the world around us. Ultimately, whether reality is an objective truth or a subjective construct is a question that may never be fully resolved.