Okay so I think this discussion is inevitably pointless because no matter how long you spend on this topic, you can only find a viewpoint, not a definite answer which I think, in itself could be an argument against objective reality. I found this really nice article that I suggest y'all take a look at if y'all are interested in this, but my thought is this: I think the world has to be somewhat objective because if it weren't, we wouldn't have so many agreed upon languages. Some things that happen in life is fact even if you didn't see it with your own eyes or acknowledge it. I think technology helps prove this. For example, none of us have to be in Australia or acknowledge the fact that forest fires are currently present and killing animals and people. When thinking about this, I think it's important to separate your subjective, individual perspective from the world's objective reality.
https://www.iep.utm.edu/objectiv/#SH4c
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While I like to believe that the world as I experience it is objectively real, it is impossible to prove. Ultimately no matter how the individual tries to prove that reality is real, their view is doubtful. I don't directly experience reality, everything that I experience happens within my brain. What I experience is not reality but rather a construct created by my mind assembled from the data collected from my sensory organs. Since there is no way to verify that the data collected is accurate, there is no way to prove that something outside my own mind even exists. Ultimately I could just be a brain in a jar fabricating the experience of sitting in my room typing out this comment, and I would be none the wiser.
I agree with Sara’s point regarding the importance of discussing the objectivity of reality. As I said the other day, each generation has different views regarding this topic. For example, my grandparents probably have never thought about the “realness” of the world. There are much larger problems then thinking about if we are really real.
Similarly, with my parents, they find these types of discussions insane. Why question something that doesn’t need to be questioned?? However, our generation is much different. For some odd reason, we think our being needs to be questioned. Instead of fixing much larger problems, many focus on if we are truly real.
Obviously, we are. We look at people and interact with them because they are real! Never in my life have I wondered if we were all living in a simulation or game. This idea should be reserved for movies or books! This question infuriates me due to the fact that many question the greatest thing that has happened to us, being born into this REAL world.
Lindsey,
I agree that the question of our own being is an ultimately pointless one to ask, as no true answer can ever by obtained while we exist in our current state. However, I find your view on the question as a whole infuriating. Your distaste for this question seems to stem from some straw man you have manufactured. You, for some reason, have this notion that this philosophical question is taking up such substantial resources that it prevents real problems from being solved. You state that this question should be reserved for movies and books, but fail to realize that we are discussing this question within the context of an ENGLISH class. This question is reserved for academic discussions not the floor of the Senate, and ultimately your distaste for the question is wholly unfounded. Please step down from your soap box.
Sincerely,
Brandon Stokes
Lindsey,
I find your use of the whataboutism argument to be highly concerning. This is the same argument that is used by people in power to dismiss concerns over climate change. If you want to engage in meaningful debate, actually debate the premises that are being put forward. Do not spend time engaging in logical fallacies.
I don’t think one has to prove objective reality to be real. The argument against it is too absurd. What benefit would we even have from believing that there is no objective reality. That takes away all purpose of life. Nothing matters then. Nothing is real. So if we want to live a full life, there is really only one choice we have. We must accept an objective reality. Mindsets like solopsism take away things like human interactions and key parts of a good life. So, why do we even ask a question that can’t be proven or answered? And if you have to answer, why would you say no? Just live and enjoy your life and trust that everyone around you isn’t simulated by aliens.
Yikes! I didn't know that this philosophical question would generate such conflict and vitriol. I think this debate is fun and interesting, but I want all of you to be nice to one another!
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