Reality

The notion of reality was once a simple and straightforward concept. It is commonly defined as something that is in definite being, not pretend or imagined. However, due to recent technological advances, the idea of reality is becoming more and more complicated. Several theories surround the philosophical sense of the word, thereby confusing its meaning even further. What was once considered science fiction (i.e. computers, high-tech games, and the Internet) is now possible and is effectively shifting the way we think of the separation between what is real and virtual.

The Oxford English Dictionary defines reality as “the quality of being real or having an actual existence.” It is derived from the late Latin realis meaning “relating to things.” In the past, reality was used to refer to a “sincere devotion or loyalty to a person” (The Oxford English Dictionary). Although this particular usage is obsolete, it has direct ties to its Latin derivation. Being loyal to someone is to have a relation with him or her. The shift from the term’s early history to its contemporary denotation, however, is relatively unknown. Although a direct correlation between these uses is unclear, an evolution of this word could be traced. Perhaps sincere devotion became an important ideology and was later recognized as something concrete or real. This then transformed into the definition that is recognized today.

Wikipedia goes on to state the controversy surrounding what is “reality”. Many believe that reality is a subjective term and is solely based on the interpretation of the individual. A consensus reality is formed when a group of people experience a certain event and come to an agreement on what it was real. This however, can lead to inconsistencies. What happens when one group has developed one particular set of realities while another group rejects them? In this subjective theory, reality cannot be considered a universal truth, but only a socially constructed concept. Reality is then considered to be “dependent upon mental and cultural factors such as perceptions, beliefs, and other mental states, as well as cultural artifacts, such as religions and political movements, on up to the vague notion of a common cultural world view” (Wikipedia). A famous historical example of this occurred in the 16th century. In this time everyone accepted that the sun revolved around the Earth. What we now know to be false was the consensus reality of the time. Until the Copernican Theory, this fact was basically undisputed. Alternatively, in the realist sense, reality is synonymous with “fact.” It is objective and therefore independent of human perception. The assertion that the Earth is round is a fact and therefore reality. Phillip K. Dick accurately summarizes the realist view in his statement that “Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn’t go away.” This theory, as opposed to the anti-realist beliefs, effectively prevents confusion over what should be declared as reality.


Common colloquialisms, however, support the notion that reality is subjective. Sayings such as “my reality is not your reality,” suggest that everyone has their own perceptions of what they consider to be real. Even though an objectively-based reality makes more logical sense, it seems as though the subjective philosophy is commonly accepted. This is termed as “idealism” and focuses on anti-realist beliefs. Idealism is perhaps popular due to the comfort associated with the idea that reality can be subject to personal interpretation. The knowledge that the individual can essentially create his or her own reality is reassuring. This is how most ideologies are formed. The “subjective reality,” in this sense, is often contrasted with the imagination (or the virtual world that is created by the mind).

This comparison has lead to a shift from the common usage of reality, to denote an actual existence, to focus more on the separation between the real and virtual. Recently, the two have been fused to create what is known as virtual reality (VR). This technology “allows a user to interact with a computer-simulated environment, be it a real or imagined one” (Wikipedia). Virtual reality is often used in gaming, but has more recently been implemented in realistic training simulations for emergency personnel, such as firefighters, police officers, and even medical physicians. VR programmers pride themselves on the creation of a reality-based system. Such a system is defined by The Oxford English Dictionary as something “founded on realistic thinking or the state of things as they actually are.” These technological innovations are so advanced that their ability to portray real life is astounding.

It is this accurate representation of reality that is effectively confusing the distinction between reality and fiction. Hyperreality is the term that “characterize[s] the way consciousness defines what is actually ‘real’ in a world where a multitude of media can radically shape and filter the original event or experience being depicted” (Wikipedia). One famous hyperreality theorist includes Jean Baudrillard. In particular, Baudrillard indicates that the real world is being replaced by a fictitious one. As a society, we are beginning to experience virtual realities as part of our physical reality and are therefore allowing it to become part of our everyday life in the real world. As technologies become more sophisticated in their abilities to emulate the real world, hyperreality becomes more prevalent. This issue can be clearly seen in today’s society when examining Second Life. Second Life is an online game with no true objective. It is essentially a virtual world in which its users can manipulate details such as the places to visit, gestures, clothing, gender, and even the appearance of their avatar (a virtual representation of the user). Users are able to escape reality by turning to a virtual world. Ironically, they are escaping to a very accurate simulation of the real world. Due to this emulation, many people grow to accept this virtual world as their reality, in the strict subjective sense of the word. This rejection of real life is widely disputed and a hierarchy between the real and virtual has developed. Many believe that reality should be in higher regard than a virtual world. However, to many users of Second Life, this hierarchy is not true.

Reality is a very fluid concept. It defines a variety of things and may never be solidified. Even now, all of its previous meanings are being challenged. Society is rejecting the term and replacing it with “actuality.” The creation of reality television has ultimately put a blemish on the face of reality. Because these programs have become an inaccurate representation of real life (due to character scripting), the concept of reality has been questioned and accused of misrepresenting true life. Perhaps “actuality” will become the new reality.