Reality....

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Smitty37

Passed Away Mar 29, 2018
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When and why did we get in the habit of talking about "personal" reality? And, just what does that mean?

To me reality is reality - what is real is real. If it is reality it is reality for you, reality for me and reality for the guy behind that tree.

I think the implication is that if we all have our "personal reality" there is no reality.

We have also started taking staged, far out situations and creating a TV show out of them. We then call that Reality TV...well the TV show is real enough but the word is intended to imply that what is seen is real life situations, which it is not....
 
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I think that you are making too much out of the issue. The poster was speaking of his personal experience which obviously differs from that of others.
 
Reality is only a matter of perception.

Interesting concept. What you see, hear, taste, smell, and feel is your reality. If I am color blind, I do not see as you do. It's my reality even if it differs from yours.

If a person suffers from a "psychosis", is their reality any less real to them?

In our dreams, how do we know we don't create a reality that is destroyed when we wake up? How do we know we are not part of someone (or something's) elses dream now? What happens to us, when it wakes?

Just typing here, kinda bored letting dinner settle and I have no idea what lead to this thread.
 
I would say that the reality is that you are color blind which changes your perception of what color you see. Perception is not necessarily reality. Magicians make their living out of that fact.

Because something appears to be real to 'some' people does not make it real. It makes someones perception wrong.
 
sbell111 said:
I think that you are making too much out of the issue. The poster was speaking of his personal experience which obviously differs from that of others.
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If he had said his personal experience was .... I would have no problem with that. But, should we make reality into what we've made morality? Where there is no standard of what is real. My house is real, what I see often is not. When I look at the moon I see two of them, that does not mean there are two moons for me, it means I have a problem with my eyesight.
 
Smitty37 said:
When and why did we get in the habit of talking about "personal" reality? And, just what does that mean?

To me reality is reality - what is real is real. If it is reality it is reality for you, reality for me and reality for the guy behind that tree.

I think the implication is that if we all have our "personal reality" there is no reality.

We have also started taking staged, far out situations and creating a TV show out of them. We then call that Reality TV...well the TV show is real enough but the word is intended to imply that what is seen is real life situations, which it is not....
Click to expand...

Oh boy, oh boy Smithy...!, I couldn't disagree more with you on "most" of your statements above, in fact, I'm surprised that for someone like you, at a tender age you reached so far, you would say something like that, with all due respect, didn't you learn something's in life after all this time, mate...???

I have no idea what brought your comments up but, in this case, is irrelevant, and I'm glad to believe that you are incorrect (in my view), I wouldn't wanted to give my realities to others nor I have any desire to get the realities of others, there are "lots" of people out there that have, are and will be experience a lot worse realities than mine.

One of the reasons why we as humans are so different, is due to the fact that, each one of us develop our own identity mainly due to what our realities are, they mold each one of us from the very beginning, and keep doing so, through out our life's.

What is a reality to me, can not be a reality to you and others and vice versa, reality is what each individual encounter in their everyday life's, regardless if is self imposed, just pure luck or, being extremely unlucky.

Destiny..??? maybe, we create half of it, the other half is beyond anyone's control, the realities we are born with vary considerably, the realities we experience in our life time, are a combination of all these things...!

Now, keep in mind that, saying all this, doesn't make me right and you wrong or vice versa, my realities make me believe that you are not correct, regardless if you are or not, in the end of the day, we both will continue living our realities, and they are very different from each other, I can see...!

So, this is only my opinion, and I will stick with it...!:wink::biggrin:

Cheers
George
 
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Perception?

Reality is reality. How you perceive it does not change it. I call to your remembrance the story of the blind men and the elephant. Each had his perception of the elephant: rope, snake, tree trunk, wall; but none of them changed the reality of what an elephant is.
 
Wood Turner's Finish. . . . Smitty, you challenged my observation in the red ink thread by making the statement, "That's an ad hoc observation and might or might not represent reality."and now there's a thread about reality, where you state above, If he had said his personal experience was . . . "

I thought that's what I was doing. . . relating my personal experience. You brought up the "reality" thing, not me.
 
robutacion said:
Smitty37 said:
When and why did we get in the habit of talking about "personal" reality? And, just what does that mean?

To me reality is reality - what is real is real. If it is reality it is reality for you, reality for me and reality for the guy behind that tree.

I think the implication is that if we all have our "personal reality" there is no reality.

We have also started taking staged, far out situations and creating a TV show out of them. We then call that Reality TV...well the TV show is real enough but the word is intended to imply that what is seen is real life situations, which it is not....
Click to expand...

Oh boy, oh boy Smithy...!, I couldn't disagree more with you on "most" of your statements above, in fact, I'm surprised that for someone like you, at a tender age you reached so far, you would say something like that, with all due respect, didn't you learn something's in life after all this time, mate...???

I have no idea what brought your comments up but, in this case, is irrelevant, and I'm glad to believe that you are incorrect (in my view), I wouldn't wanted to give my realities to others nor I have any desire to get the realities of others, there are "lots" of people out there that have, are and will be experience a lot worse realities than mine.

One of the reasons why we as humans are so different, is due to the fact that, each one of us develop our own identity mainly due to what our realities are, they mold each one of us from the very beginning, and keep doing so, through out our life's.

What is a reality to me, can not be a reality to you and others and vice versa, reality is what each individual encounter in their everyday life's, regardless if is self imposed, just pure luck or, being extremely unlucky.

Destiny..??? maybe, we create half of it, the other half is beyond anyone's control, the realities we are born with vary considerably, the realities we experience in our life time, are a combination of all these things...!

Now, keep in mind that, saying all this, doesn't make me right and you wrong or vice versa, my realities make me believe that you are not correct, regardless if you are or not, in the end of the day, we both will continue living our realities, and they are very different from each other, I can see...!

So, this is only my opinion, and I will stick with it...!:wink::biggrin:

Cheers
George
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George Real is Real, your opinion is real and it is your opinion to you, your opinion to me and your opinion to the guy behind that tree. It might be based on correct facts, incorrect facts or no facts at all hence me and the guy behind the tree might have different opinions. Never-the-less your opinion is real. I am free to, and in this case, do hold another opinion and my opinion is also real to both of us.

Perception and reality are not the same George. As I said when I look up at a full moon (or any other moon) I see two of them. Reality is there is only one there and my perception of two is just not real. I have a problem with my binocular vision and if I were the only person in the world looking at the full moon I would think there were really two of them traveling side by side....but even in that case reality would still be that there is only one moon.

I think you are confusing realities and experience. Your experiences might shape your life and might be different from my experiences but if you were poor when you were young and went without shoes and I was rich and had two pairs the reality is the same I had shoes and you didn't - the experience was different.

And, unlike you, I won't imply that you didn't learn anything in your life.
 
Brian G said:
Wood Turner's Finish. . . . Smitty, you challenged my observation in the red ink thread by making the statement, "That's an ad hoc observation and might or might not represent reality."and now there's a thread about reality, where you state above, If he had said his personal experience was . . . "

I thought that's what I was doing. . . relating my personal experience. You brought up the "reality" thing, not me.
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Whether you were stating your personal experience or not your statement describes an Ad Hoc observation. I stated that and made the allowance that an ad hoc observatiion might or might not represent reality.

You then said you disagreed with it being Ad Hoc. If you were correcting college papers you should realize what ad hoc is. It does not deny or challenge the validity of your observation, it simply says we can't apply your specific observation as a general rule to the others correcting papers.
 
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sbell111 said:
Why does it matter? You certainly knew what he meant.
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Also, he should have known what I meant -- someone smart enough to be correcting college level papers should know what ad hoc means.

And, it the same vein, what difference does it make to you? You probably knew what we both meant.

You like to argue with me and that's perfectly alright with me -- Curtis once said I'd argue with a fence post and he wasn't too far from wrong.

NO I am not implying that you are a fence post....
 
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:biggrin::at-wits-end:Reality=It is dark and cold in Sacramento, Ca My wife is watching QVC, which will cost us money and Dallas is 1 point behind Philly. I take white, redish brown, yellow and blue pills but the Merlot really change my reality.
 
Reason for thread.

I started this thread to move some of the discussion, which has nothing much to do with teachers using or not using red ink to correct student's work away from that thread.
 
Merriam Webster:


re·al·i·ty

noun \rē-ˈa-lə-tē\ : the true situation that exists : the real situation
: something that actually exists or happens : a real event, occurrence, situation, etc.


plural re·al·i·ties


Full Definition of REALITY

1
: the quality or state of being real

2
a (1) : a real event, entity, or state of affairs <his dream became a reality> (2) : the totality of real things and events <trying to escape from reality>
b : something that is neither derivative nor dependent but exists necessarily

3
: television programming that features videos of actual occurrences (as a police chase, stunt, or natural disaster) —often used attributively <reality TV>
— in reality : in actual fact


Examples of REALITY


  1. the difference between fiction and reality
  2. The reality is that we can't afford to buy a house.
  3. He used television as an escape from reality.
  4. They made the plan a reality




****************

ad hoc

adverb \ˈad-ˈhäk, -ˈhōk; ˈäd-ˈhōk\



Definition of AD HOC

: for the particular end or case at hand without consideration of wider application

Origin of AD HOC

Latin, for thisFirst Known Use: 1659




2ad hoc

adjective : formed or used for a special purpose
: made or done without planning because of an immediate need


Full Definition of AD HOC

1
a : concerned with a particular end or purpose <an ad hoc investigating committee>
b : formed or used for specific or immediate problems or needs <ad hoc solutions>

2
: fashioned from whatever is immediately available : improvised <large ad hoc parades and demonstrations — Nat Hentoff>



Examples of AD HOC


  1. The mayor appointed an ad hoc committee to study the project.
  2. We had to make some ad hoc changes to the plans.
  3. We'll hire more staff on an ad hoc basis.
 
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One thing that has come to me from this thread is that there are folks who think that perception is reality. Many have tried to take advantage of that for thousands of years. They attempt to make their opponent think that they were doing one thing while, in reality, they're really doing something else. Some here would argue that the opponent's reality is what he perceives them to be doing.

Some think their personal experience is "personal reality". If they threw a stone to chase a crow out of the corn field they believe that is their personal reality --- when in fact, from a stand point of what is real, it is everybody's reality it is their personal experience. They really threw that stone.

Others seem to think that if we think something is real, that makes it real whether it is real or not. My view of that is it doesn't make it real, if it's real it's real if it's not our thinking is wrong. The false does not become true because we think it's true. If the entire population of the whole world thinks I have $10.00 in my pocket and I don't have any money at all - the population is wrong. The reality is I don't have a dime and everyone (including myself) thinking I do have money doesn't change the reality.
 
I pre-planned to use a different color of ink, and considered a wider application for all of my sections that I taught, if it made a difference in reactions to my grading.


Not ad hoc.
 
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Perception and reality are not the same George. As I said when I look up at a full moon (or any other moon) I see two of them. Reality is there is only one there and my perception of two is just not real. I have a problem with my binocular vision and if I were the only person in the world looking at the full moon I would think there were really two of them traveling side by side....but even in that case reality would still be that there is only one moon.

I think you are confusing realities and experience. Your experiences might shape your life and might be different from my experiences but if you were poor when you were young and went without shoes and I was rich and had two pairs the reality is the same I had shoes and you didn't - the experience was different.

And, unlike you, I won't imply that you didn't learn anything in your life.
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Go steady on that axe my friend, I meant no offence and you know exactly what I meant...!:wink::biggrin:

I just read the magnificent post from our friend Sharon and while she provided an accurate and certified definition of some of the words in discussion in this thread, and what I read confirms my believe of what reality is and why I strongly believe that reality, can be interpreted in many ways that doesn't mean, one is more correct than the other so, I still believe that, ones realities are a direct correlation to ones experiences and this may explain the tremendous complexity and diversity of the human behaviour...!

As for arguing with a fence post, I have done that multiple times and quite honestly, I have had better responses from it than what I get sometimes with people, after all, isn't that true the we wood turners, listen to what the wood has to say...!:biggrin::wink:

Potatoes, potatos, all the same...!:smile:

I'm going to my work-shop cut some blanks out of my old Colonial Red Gum Burls, does anyone want some...!:wink:

Cheers
George
 
I guess this is an open discussion and one which I feel I could contribute. I believe in truth and reality as being absolute. I have no idea what the argument is about but I will try to give my opinion even if not wanted. Reality is what is real and true. The reality of the cowboys not making the playoffs is true regardless of my perceptions of that truth or reality. I have often heard the expression that perception is reality, which of course it is not. This statement comes from the concept that truth is relevant (I.e. What is true for me may not be true for you. That truth is subject to ones own experiences.) I think that reality is like truth in the fact that opinions, and perceptions do not alter either. So if a person perceives life one way it may be his own personal reality but it doesn't alter what is real. Now this view of a linear truth and reality is not popular because it excludes alternate realities and truth and demands that there only be one. Just because a person perceives reality one way doesn't alter what is real! I'm sorry it just doesn't. America is a society which demands tolerance, but in the name of tolerance we've moved from a society which believes everybody has a right to his or her opinions to one which believes every opinions are equally right! My opinions, or perceptions never change what is absolute and true nor does it change reality no matter how much I want it to. Now I don't know what this has to do with pens or the joy of sharing ones passions for the hobby and is not intended to offend anyone in anyway, I'm just trying to participate in the the conversation.
 
My grade 3 teacher lined up all the boys in the class each morning and gave each of us one whack with the razor strap on each hand before class started.
That was reality!!
And yes, she used red ink.

Les
 
FIGHT

Smitty37 said:
sbell111 said:
Why does it matter? You certainly knew what he meant.
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Also, he should have known what I meant -- someone smart enough to be correcting college level papers should know what ad hoc means.

And, it the same vein, what difference does it make to you? You probably knew what we both meant.

You like to argue with me and that's perfectly alright with me -- Curtis once said I'd argue with a fence post and he wasn't too far from wrong.

NO I am not implying that you are a fence post....
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I dug out the old gloves and dusted them off, set four posts to make a ring ;WAIT ! 4 posts ! does a ring have corners? Why do they call it a ring?========Is that realaity? Do I get the chance to sell tickets? God, I love this site.
 
Well, I strongly support the right and freedom to speak freely and express my thoughts without being concerned about censuring and/or reprisals. Is also my strong believe that, this is a place where we are given simple rules when it comes to participation and mutual respect, I believe that, this is also a place where, many "rosters" are allowed to share the high spots and for me, the defining factor is when mature/adult people are capable to express their thoughts, opinions and differences, without getting into childish behaviour, going over that limit, makes me look the other way and as far as I'm concerned, all bets are off...!

Anyone is allowed to start a "conversation" in its appropriate place, this exact one so, and as a conversation, a rant or simply expression ones opinion, is done so other can participate, no one opens a tread to talk to him/herself, only so, the thread opening is an open and public invitation, for anyone that has something to say, regardless if is in agreeance or disagreement.

So, no one is arguing, or fighting, we are discussing the various interpretations of the OP subject and learning something in the process, not being important to point out what that could be, after all we all take something/lesson from it and we do everyday in our life's so, when the smoke settles down, everyone will realise that, was never a fire present, but simply someone's heavy breathing, fogging up the air...!:wink::biggrin:

We all have more important things to concentrate on, at the door steps of a brand new year so, lets hope we all be here in 2014, and do some more "conversating", oops...! I better change this word to "converse"/conversations, (I can't believe what the dictionary says it can mean, ouch...!):eek:

So peoples, have a :beer: and enjoy life...!

Cheers
George
 
When my Granddaughter gets we will be out in the shop turning pens. In the mean time I will read and post in this and other threads. Reality will have to wait until I get a few cups of coffee in me.
 
That is harsh reality. I am not a Cowboy fan, my Brother in law is and I feel for him. I am a life long Niner fan, Don't like the idea of going to GB that is cold, not a big fan of the current QB either, but I am old and favor the old school non decorated types.
 
reality seems to have gone the way of truth. Whatever you believe is the truth or reality. there is no absolute any longer. post modernism.
 
Fun little argument.

Rene Descartes summed this up by saying "Cogito ergo sum" - all we can know is that we are aware of our own thoughts - all else is clouded by `interpretation`of the senses.

Have you ever heard of a mirage? Have you been fooled by an illusion? If the eyes can be deceived sometimes, how can we know when to trust them - the same with all the senses.

When I see 'blue' - how do I know that you're seeing that same 'blue' - the colour of the item is actually every colour except blue, as it absorbs all those colours and reflects the blue to our eyes...but what if there's a function of the brain where each person sees 'blue' differently - deep within, in a yet undiscovered process, the brain may process my blue into what is 'red' to you.

Whether or not we agree on what is real - the way we are built means that we all have no choice but to interpret what is real - so it's best to think of reality as 'perception' - as we all have to interpret what our fallible senses show us.

Did you know that by probing a certain area of the brain, a neurologist could make me smell burned toast or move my hand. How do I know I'm not just a brain in a jar of formaldehyde, hooked up by electrodes to a supercomputer, which is manipulating "EVERYTHING"? Therefore, all this 'perception of reality' is just an illusion - we only know that we can try to perceive reality - all the rest is a guess! :smile:

All of our senses have a delay - it takes time to get a sound wave, or a ray of light from a distant star - therefore, we're not perceiving reality, but rather a vision of the past. Our 'present' is a fabrication - we're constantly trying to view items which are in constant flux. "One cannot step in the same river twice"

True Reality cannot be perceived by our fallible senses - we can only interpret the clues we get, and compare them with the Platonic Forms (I'm a fan of Greek philosophy), and thereby come up with our own perception of reality.
 
It's 67 degrees in the house right now, the wife says it's cold and I say its warm...so what is the reality? Is it cold or is it warm? My reality says its warm and I am sticking to it! (by the way I just raised the thermostat) ;)
 
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maxwell_smart007 said:
Fun little argument.

Rene Descartes summed this up by saying "Cogito ergo sum" - all we can know is that we are aware of our own thoughts - all else is clouded by `interpretation`of the senses.

Have you ever heard of a mirage? Have you been fooled by an illusion? If the eyes can be deceived sometimes, how can we know when to trust them - the same with all the senses.

When I see 'blue' - how do I know that you're seeing that same 'blue' - the colour of the item is actually every colour except blue, as it absorbs all those colours and reflects the blue to our eyes...but what if there's a function of the brain where each person sees 'blue' differently - deep within, in a yet undiscovered process, the brain may process my blue into what is 'red' to you.

Whether or not we agree on what is real - the way we are built means that we all have no choice but to interpret what is real - so it's best to think of reality as 'perception' - as we all have to interpret what our fallible senses show us.

Did you know that by probing a certain area of the brain, a neurologist could make me smell burned toast or move my hand. How do I know I'm not just a brain in a jar of formaldehyde, hooked up by electrodes to a supercomputer, which is manipulating "EVERYTHING"? Therefore, all this 'perception of reality' is just an illusion - we only know that we can try to perceive reality - all the rest is a guess! :smile:

All of our senses have a delay - it takes time to get a sound wave, or a ray of light from a distant star - therefore, we're not perceiving reality, but rather a vision of the past. Our 'present' is a fabrication - we're constantly trying to view items which are in constant flux. "One cannot step in the same river twice"

True Reality cannot be perceived by our fallible senses - we can only interpret the clues we get, and compare them with the Platonic Forms (I'm a fan of Greek philosophy), and thereby come up with our own perception of reality.
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Morpheus says you too chose the red pill.:eek::wink:
 
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