What Is Real?

[LordCowCowCowCowCowCowCowCow]

Simple question, many, potentially complex, answers. What do you all think? What's reality, really? I'm gonna leave this one as fairly open to interpretation. So discuss away the possibilities.

[MiracleGhost47]

Reality is the set of guidelines used to determine if one thing effects, and/or is in the proximity of, anything and/or anyone else. Technically, even our wildest imaginations and dreams are real, since they are within an individual's proximity (in this case, the mind). So, why we call dreams fake? Well, we have more than one definition of "real". The one mentioned above is one of them. The other definition refers solely to the physical world, which is why crazy dreams that do not match up with the physical world is deemed fake. I hope this cleared up any difficulties you might have had regarding your vocabulary. 

[Trebuchet MS]

What is real? A domain consisting of anything that isn't imaginary, denoted with a stylized R.

 

(exit stage right)

[(GigaDrillBreaker)]

This is gonna go r/iamverysmart so funking fast.

 

The generally accepted definition of reality is that which can be observed, though I imagine that isn't what you are looking for.

[Christian Exodia]

What is "real" changes from person to person.

 

The "definition" comes from a bunch of fights throughout history.

[Flinsbon]

I would say that something that is real can theoretically be observed by at least two people with different perspectives.

[Zauls]

Just saying, just because something is imaginary, doesn't mean it isn't real. When you get down to it, a thought is just a series of very real electrical impulses and interactions with matter that are very much real, so why isn't the imaginary real?

[Snatch Steal]

If it's not real

You can't hold it in your hands

You can't feel it with your heart

And I won't believe it

But if it's true

You can see it with your eyes

Oh, even in the dark

And that's where I want to be

[(GigaDrillBreaker)]

Just saying, just because something is imaginary, doesn't mean it isn't real. When you get down to it, a thought is just a series of very real electrical impulses and interactions with matter that are very much real, so why isn't the imaginary real?

Honestly, the reason I wouldn't consider that which is imaginary real (even though it fits my definition) is because if it is, real doesn't mean much of anything.

[LordCowCowCowCowCowCowCowCow]

What is "real" changes from person to person.

 

The "definition" comes from a bunch of fights throughout history.

Well what does this person ^ think of as what's real then?

[vla1ne]

real is a term with multiple levels, decided by context. physical being the most common, but also attitudes, words, emotion, ect can be real or false based upon context presented. there's no completely definitive answer to the question though.

[Ryusei the Morning Star]

Reality is certainty.

 

Only two things are certain. 

 

Death and Taxes

[♪ ♪Aria ♪ ♪]

Something real isn't everything that can be seen

real isn't everything that can be heard

real isn't everything that can be tasted

real isn't everything that can be touched

real isn't everything that can be felt

 

But "real" is what makes our life meaningful, exists in real life, whether it is bitter or sweet......, and inflicts a physical impact upon us.....

[Brinolovania]

Reality is certainty.

 

Only two things are certain. 

 

Death and Taxes

The only logical conclusion to this is that we must tax dying, because that's the apex of reality.

 

Anyway, I'd define reality as anything that can be observed to exist. That includes physical stuff (you can see and touch a llama), and concepts (you feel pain, love, loyalty, and whatever else.)