Virtual Reality is Also A Reality

Reality Plus: Virtual Realities Are Also (Genuine) Realities

By Janpha Thadphoothon

Reality is often discussed, yet like life itself, it defies easy definition. Some people will say that real is what is presented as real. Reality is personal as well as objective. Subjective reality can be your wish and fantasy over someone or something.

In recent years, a novel concept has emerged, one that challenges conventional notions of reality: Virtual Reality (VR). To some, it appears as nothing more than a fabrication, a simulated world devoid of tangible existence. Yet, for many, it represents an innovative paradigm, a transformative medium that blurs the boundaries between the real and the virtual. In essence, VR embodies a new frontier of experience, where perceptions intertwine and realities converge. While skeptics question its authenticity, proponents champion its potential to reshape our understanding of what constitutes reality in the digital age.


Virtual realities are genuine realities.

One of the people who argue for the inclusion of VR as a new form of reality is David J. Chalmers. he wrote many books and the book in this blog is one of them. The author, David J. Chalmers, asks a simple and important question - what is reality? The author has proposed a theory on reality - extended reality. Digital tools are extensions of our bodies. They too are considered 'realities'. His whole thesis is based on Rene Descartes's notion of mind-body dualism. Prof Chlmers' thesis is simple: Virtual realities are genuine realities.

Image: Photo taken by Janpha Thadphoothon

Even though there are several books addressing this issue, Chalmers has made the issue "interesting" and "thought-provoking." If you are looking for a thought-provoking book, this is one of them.

Contemplating the nature of reality often leads us down a labyrinth of philosophical inquiry. What is real? A simple response might suggest that reality is merely what presents itself to our senses as real. However, such a simplistic assertion prompts us to delve deeper, to scrutinize, and to question. This is where the journey through the terrain of philosophy becomes invaluable.

In his illuminating work, Chalmers acts as a guide, leading us through the intricate landscape of philosophical thought. He encourages us to question our assumptions, to challenge our preconceptions, and to grapple with the enigmatic nature of existence itself.

Within this philosophical odyssey, the concept of virtual reality emerges as a compelling focal point. While some may dismiss it as a mere simulation, devoid of genuine substance, others recognize it as a distinctive manifestation of reality. Virtual reality, in its essence, embodies a form of experiential reality, one that transcends traditional boundaries and opens new avenues of perception.

VR from the Philosophical perspectives

From a philosophical perspective, reality is a concept that has been pondered and debated for centuries, leading to various interpretations and theories. At its core, reality refers to the totality of existence, encompassing everything that is, has been, or could be. Philosophers have approached the question of reality from different angles, considering its nature, origins, and our perception of it.

One prominent philosophical viewpoint is realism, which posits that reality exists independently of our perceptions or interpretations. According to realism, there is an objective, external reality that exists regardless of whether or how we perceive it. This perspective suggests that there are facts about the world that are true regardless of our beliefs or experiences. For example, the moon exists regardless of your perspective or existence. 

On the other hand, idealism presents a contrasting view, proposing that reality is fundamentally mental or conceptual in nature. In this view, reality is shaped by consciousness or perception, and our subjective experiences play a central role in defining what is real. Idealism suggests that the external world may be nothing more than a construction of the mind, and that our perceptions create our reality.

Another perspective is that of phenomenology, which focuses on the study of human consciousness and subjective experience. From a phenomenological standpoint, reality is not simply given to us as an objective fact, but is instead constructed through our perceptions, interpretations, and experiences. Reality is understood as inherently subjective, shaped by our individual perspectives and interactions with the world.

Additionally, existentialism explores the subjective experience of existence and the search for meaning in an often chaotic and uncertain world. From an existentialist perspective, reality is deeply personal and subjective, and individuals must confront the inherent ambiguity and absurdity of existence in order to create their own sense of meaning and authenticity.

As we can see, the philosophical perspective on reality is multifaceted and complex, reflecting the diverse ways in which humans have grappled with the fundamental questions of existence, perception, and truth.

In this light, virtual reality is not a mere imitation or fabrication; it is a dynamic realm where consciousness and immersion intertwine, creating a tapestry of sensations and experiences that can be as vivid and impactful as those encountered in the physical world. Thus, to dismiss virtual reality as inconsequential is to overlook its profound implications for our understanding of reality itself.

From my perspective, reality encompasses both the physical world we inhabit and the subjective experiences and perceptions that shape our understanding of it. Virtual Reality (VR) represents a fascinating intersection of technology, perception, and consciousness, offering immersive experiences that can feel remarkably real to those who engage with it.

While VR may not replicate the tangible aspects of our physical reality in every detail, it undeniably creates a convincing illusion of reality through sensory stimuli and interactive environments. Users can perceive and interact with virtual objects and spaces in ways that can evoke genuine emotions and reactions.

In this sense, VR can be considered a form of reality—a digital reality that exists within the realm of human experience. It may not have the same ontological status as the physical world, but it can still have profound effects on our perceptions, emotions, and behaviors.

Ultimately, whether VR is considered a reality depends on one's perspective and definition of reality. From a pragmatic standpoint, VR offers tangible experiences and impacts that cannot be dismissed lightly. As technology continues to advance and our understanding of consciousness evolves, the boundaries between virtual and physical reality may become increasingly blurred.

 

Reference

Chalmers, J. D. (2022). Reality +: Virtual Worlds and The Problems of Philosophy. Penguin.

Janpha Thadphoothon is an assistant professor of ELT at the International College, Dhurakij Pundit University in Bangkok, Thailand. Janpha Thadphoothon also holds a certificate of Generative AI with Large Language Models issued by DeepLearning.AI.