The Reliability of Existence and Reality: A Philosophical Inquiry

For centuries, the reliability of our existence and the reality we perceive has been a subject of intense philosophical debate. From empirical evidence provided by scientific advancements to the subjective nature of our perceptions and experiences, the veracity of our reality remains a topic of considerable scrutiny. This article delves into the intricacies of this question, examining the interplay between objective existence and subjective perception.

Existence as an Axiom

At the core of this inquiry lies the fundamental reality of our existence. Before we can even contemplate the existence of the cosmos or the divine, we must exist. Our existence is a given; it is an axiom, an unquestionable truth that precedes any further consideration. Without this baseline, all other questions about the nature of reality would be moot. If you are not alive, there is no cosmic reality to acknowledge, and no concept of God can hold relevance.

Existence itself is independent of the cosmos or any external observers. It is the backdrop against which all experiences occur. The cosmos only becomes meaningful within the framework of an observing subject, our body and mind. Perception and experience, therefore, are not mere windows to an external reality but are instead manifestations of our body’s sophisticated mechanisms filtering what is ostensibly out there.

Perception as Illusion

Color, for instance, is not a tangible substance but a sensation. What we see as a vibrant blue sky is actually our brain's interpretation of a specific wavelength of light. Each individual perceives and constructs their own reality, painting their own cosmos with a unique spectrum of colors, sounds, and sensations. There is no objective color "out there"; it is a perception defined by our neural architecture.

Extending this logic to the remaining senses, we realize that sound, smell, taste, and touch are similarly constructed perceptions. When we hear a thunderous clap of lightning, it is not out there; it is in our head, a part of our internal experience. The cosmos, then, is not an absolute reality but a relative reality shaped by the perceiving mechanisms of each individual.

The Cogency of Reality

From a scientific perspective, the cosmos is a set of perceptions, and only exists in so far as it is observed. This perspective is in line with quantum physics, which posits that subatomic particles exist as probabilities until they are observed. Our brain projects a 3D hologram of what we consider the cosmos, complete with vibrant colors and sounds, based on our perceptions.

Furthermore, the perception of reality is not universal. Different species perceive the world differently due to their unique sensory apparatus. For microorganisms, the cosmos may look entirely different than for humans. Therefore, the idea of a singular, absolute reality is elusive. The cosmos is more accurately described as a collection of perceptions, each defined by the perceiving mechanism of the organism.

Epistemology of Suffering and Sleep

In our waking moments, we face adversities and challenges that can seem overwhelming. It is crucial to remember that what we experience as reality, including suffering, is akin to a dream. During REM sleep, we witness vivid, often surreal dreams; in waking life, we face the tangible realities of the world. Just as dreams are constructed within our minds, these waking experiences are also a part of our internal construction of reality.

During deep sleep, there is no time, no space, no creation, and no observer. There is only a profound silence, a stillness, and an existence in a deep state of peace and potential. This state is the ground state of reality—nothing is happening, no time, no space, and no creation. It is a state of un-manifest potentiality, a state of being, and a fundamental truth of existence.

Conclusion

The reliability of our existence and reality is deeply intertwined with our subjective perceptions and experiences. While there is a physical reality that we coexist with, the way we perceive and construct that reality is our own doing. This understanding invites us to question the nature of our experiences and to seek a deeper appreciation for the multifaceted and subjective reality we inhabit.