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It seems that recently (both in class and in the forums) we've been debating whether or not there is one reality, no such thing as reality, or maybe even multiple realities. I think that this discussion, at least the discussions in class, may be slightly premature. Or rather, we seem to be skipping an important part of the conversation. Before we tackle the one/none/many reality debate, we need to determine specifically and explicitly what we mean when we use the term "reality".

What we mean when we use the word "real" drastically affects the structure of our discussion and the way in which we approach the debates we have been having in class. Even if we do not all agree to one definition of "reality", having explicitly considered multiple definitions will give us a framework on which to build our discussions. From the class discussions on Tuesday it seems that there are three main definitions of "reality" being considered by our class. These three definitions, which I have taken to calling the "objective", "collective" and "subjective", exist on a continuum.

"Objective reality" is a reality in which apart from our perceptions, there is "something" "out there", and that something is what is real. This is the position which has been supported through our history, first appearing in Plato's Theory of Forms. Under this definition of reality, the unchanging essential truth of the universe is not dependent upon perception. The sound that a tree makes when if falls in the forest is the same regardless of who does or does not hear it, and that is real.

"Collective reality", like objective reality, asserts the existence of "something" "out there", but unlike the definition of objective reality, collective reality holds that we cannot determine reality outside of perception. Instead, collective reality follows a sort of mathematical approach, maintaining that as more and more observations are gathered from different sources, the 'mean value' of these observations will more closely reflect the "something" "out there". Under the definition of collective reality, what is real is that which is determined by consensus.

Finally, "subjective reality" does not assert the existence of "something" "out there". Rather, reality is a personal construction which results from (and results in) perception. Subjective reality holds that what is "real" is the perception itself, not some hypothetical external phenomenon which may cause the perception. Subjective reality has no way of asserting existence outside of perception (nor does it want one). Thus, each person's personal perception results in his or her own personal reality. Under this definition, that which is real is that which is perceived.

These three conceptions of reality are by no means the only definitions of reality, and perhaps I've misrepresented what some of you said in class. If this is the case, I'm sorry and please don't hesitate to correct me, clarify your opinion, or add your own definition of what is real.