The Nature of Reality

 by Oliver Wilkinson

We humans grapple with the concept of reality — an experience that has eluded precise definition and full comprehension for millennia.

And although it appears tangible, upon closer inspection, reality dissipates like a fleeting illusion; Its origins, magnitude, trajectory, and purpose remain unsolvable mysteries, leaving us questioning its (and to an extent, our own) very existence.

Yet, the pursuit of understanding reality is instinctive to us, propelling and fuelling our progress. What was once attributed to divine origins is now under the scrutiny of scientific inquiry. Over the past 200 years or so, humanity has gingerly peeled back the layers of reality, even if we are still not entirely sure what we have revealed.

Paradoxically, our understanding of reality has deepened, plunging us into a realm where it's plausible to argue for reality's complete dependence on subjective experience or on the contrary, its complete independence from it. Because of this contradiction, the ideology behind reality has become more enigmatic than ever before, making it feel strangely surreal. 

So, can the nature of reality be defined? Or does it lack a literal meaning entirely?

One prominent viewpoint in comprehending reality revolves around scientific inquiry — a methodical approach aimed at unravelling its mysteries. For hundreds of years, science has meticulously dissected various facets of our world, from the microscopic realms of quantum mechanics to the vast expanses of the cosmos. However, even with substantial advancements, there lingers a veil of uncertainty that defines the limitations of our comprehension. The more we delve into the essence of reality, the more mysterious it seems to become.

Moreover, the realm of subjective experience poses a compelling contrast to the scientific pursuit. Human perception and consciousness play integral roles in shaping our understanding of reality. The philosophical stance that reality is constructed through individual experience opens a captivating avenue for exploration. The idea that our perceptions influence the nature of reality itself challenges conventional paradigms, leading to an intriguing divergence of opinions.

Consequently, this juxtaposition of scientific exploration and subjective experience forms the crux of the paradox surrounding reality. On one hand, scientific endeavours offer glimpses into the mechanics and structures of the universe, painting a detailed yet incomplete picture. On the other hand, the subjective lens through which individuals perceive reality presents an equally valid, albeit intangible, dimension.

The complex nature of reality persists, often evoking a sense of awe and bewilderment. As humans, our innate curiosity compels us to seek answers and unravel the mysteries that surround us. However, the more we uncover, the more intricate and convoluted reality seems to become. It's as if the very act of probing deeper into its essence unveils new layers of complexity, perpetuating an eternal quest for understanding…

But, no matter how distant an answer may seem, a problem can always be rationalised.

Because of the futility of our pursuit to uncover the secrets of reality, humanity as a whole has begun to question what is and what isn’t actually real. But what’s the problem? Isn’t it enough that things are as they are? No, because we can sometimes be deceived. If we, as a species, intend to survive, we need to be able to tell the difference between hard ground and marsh that only looks hard. We need to know whether something is a predator or only a child in a costume. Already, we have evolved to tell the real from the false. Injure the brain and the victim may lose their sense of reality. When you have the flu, the familiar world can seem unreal. You might as well ask “What is the nature of ‘upright’?”

The ‘real’ is the genuine, the reliable is what we can safely lean on. It is akin to truthful, valuable, even delightful. Its opposite is not an illusion, but the fake, the counterfeit, that which can’t be trusted. Theatre, television, paintings and literature deal in illusion, but can be real in the sense that they nurture and educate us, helping us to make sense of experience. When they fail in this, they feel unreal, they don’t ring true. They are false, and thus they fail as art. 

Electrons, energy, matter, gravity are real - according to the scientific structures they form, some of which explain what we experience on a day to day basis. John Dalton’s model of the atom no longer makes sense, so it has lost its claim to reality, just as a banknote, which goes out of circulation, becomes nothing more than a piece of paper. Promises, agreements, treaties are real - only so long as they can be trusted. 

To take a big question: Is God Real? ‘Real’ I find more meaningful than the ‘existence’ question. We cannot prove the existence of the electron or alpha particles or even such matters as market forces, compassion or philosophy. But we see their effects, and assuming they are real helps to make sense of many of our experiences. So, one could rightfully argue that God is at least as real as an idea like ‘compassion’.

For many, the reality of God isn't confined to tangible proof or scientific demonstration but is deeply embedded in the narratives, teachings, and spiritual experiences passed down through generations. God's reality often manifests through the impact on individuals' lives, the solace found in moments of despair, and the guidance felt in times of uncertainty.

The concept of reality in the context of God becomes intertwined with the idea of faith — a belief in something beyond the tangible, something that provides meaning and purpose to existence. In this regard, the reality of God might not be subject to scientific scrutiny but resides in the profound sense of connection, moral guidance, and the shaping of cultural norms and values across societies.

So, what now? If reality can be both the tangible and intangible, the truth and the false, what is it? How can one thing be ‘reality’, and then the next moment be simply forgotten? 

At its core, reality encompasses the totality of what is, or what is perceived to be, true or existent. It includes the physical world, governed by natural laws and observable phenomena, as well as the subjective experiences, emotions, thoughts, and interpretations that shape our understanding of the world. The interplay between the tangible and intangible aspects of reality introduces complexity. Tangible reality comprises the empirical, measurable elements—things that can be observed, tested, and analysed. On the other hand, the intangible facets encompass subjective experiences, emotions, beliefs, and abstract concepts that influence how individuals perceive and interpret the world around them.

Reality, therefore, is not merely a singular entity but a mosaic of experiences, perspectives, and interpretations. It evolves and adapts as individuals gather new information, undergo personal growth, and interact with the world and each other. The definition of 'real' extends beyond mere existence; it embodies reliability, authenticity, and a foundation upon which we navigate the world. Our ability to distinguish between the tangible and the counterfeit shapes our understanding of art, science, and even abstract concepts. Without experience, without ideas, reality would not exist.

Do not underestimate the power of possibility. Our ideas, our opinions, they’re what define us as humans - but willingness to act upon them? That's what shapes our reality. 

“Right up until the very end, life is to be worn gloriously because, until our last moment, the future's what we make it.” - Christopher Pike