Reality: Influenced by an Individual’s Perception and Interpretation E

Reality: Influenced by an Individual’s Perception and Interpretation When the term reality is mentioned, many questions arise regarding what reality is and what is real originate also. Unfortunately, many of these questions are yet to be answered since determining reality and what is real are left to each individual’s imagination - for one to determine reality as he or she sees fit. A dictionary may provide a definition for the word reality, but things that constitute reality may never be entirely defined because it is one of those things that is almost completely based on an individual’s perception and interpretation. A dictionary may also provide a definition for the word perception and the word interpretation, but many individuals perceive and interpret many things very differently. With the vast variation of people, thoughts, and beliefs in our world, how should society determine the boundaries of reality? On the other hand, is it even possible to set specific limits when considering reality? The movie chosen, as a springboard into the forthcoming philosophical discussion, was â€Å"Dark City†, A Mystery Clock Production by New Line Cinema directed by Alex Proyas. The movie raised many interesting questions and produced many engaging comments. At the very beginning of the movie, you hear the voice of Dr. Schreber, played by Kieffer Sutherland. He begins by saying, â€Å"They [the â€Å"Strangers†] had mastered the ultimate technology, the ability to alter physical reality by will alone.†i[1] If the â€Å"Strangers† are altering reality, the people of the city will never truly know what is real and what is artificial. Consequently, the city in which they live is all artificial and made up. We as viewers can see this, but ... ...ed and are likely to continue to remain unanswered for many years to come. It is highly doubtful the term reality will ever be entirely and unrestrictedly measurable. Notes: i[1] Dr. Daniel P. Schreber in â€Å"Dark City† – the movie. ii[2] Detective Walenski in â€Å"Dark City† – the movie. iii[3] Woolley, Benjamin. â€Å"Virtual Worlds†. P 5. iv[4] Woolley, Benjamin. â€Å"Virtual Worlds†. P 9. v[5] Ludlow, Peter. â€Å"High Noon on the Electronic Frontier†. P 24. vi[6] Collins Gem Dictionary and Thesaurus. P 450. vii[7] Collins Gem Dictionary and Thesaurus. P 335. viii[8] www.philosophypages.com/dy/ix3.htm#real – the definition of reality. ix[9] Woolley, Benjamin. â€Å"Virtual Worlds†. P 213. x[10] Woolley, Benjamin. â€Å"Virtual Worlds†. P 3. xi[11] Woolley, Benjamin. â€Å"Virtual Worlds†. P 5. xii[12] Woolley, Benjamin. â€Å"Virtual Worlds†. P 3.