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One of the challenging aspects of this course is that we have to redefine concepts which were previously firmly rooted in our mind. eshuster returns to the question of reality. During the first couple weeks of class we discussed and debated the nature of reality. Some argued for the existence of a "true reality" independent of the observer. Others argued that "reality" is by its very nature subjective. Although we all were all no doubt aware that there are gaps in the information that our minds ability to receive, process, and interpret information from our surroundings, learning about the brain's ability of "making up" or filling in the holes in our vision from our eyes was jarring to many.

I don't see why this should be as disturbing. We know that as human we can only see colors in the range of roughly 400-700nm along the electromagnetic spectrum. Yet I doubt if any of us is concerned that we do not see microwaves, radiowaves, x rays or gamma rays. And if there is a reality these aspects are as much a part of it as are colors.

If we define reality as everything which we can sense (see, hear, feel, touch, etc)—either with our bodies and with the aid of technological equipment—we must recognize the futility of the effort.

Instead of exploring our world and trying gain new understanding, we quibble about whether it is real and whether certain observations are valid.

Quite frankly, I think we need to abandon the concept of reality. Reality itself is a construct which holds us back from understanding out world. Perhaps the gaps in our vision that the mind fills in are the best thing of all and the way these gaps are filled will provide us with an important understanding of who we are as humans.