How real is reality

1
How real is reality?

• And who are you really?

2
Constructs of reality

• If we suppose that reality is content, then
  reality has both
• Meaning, i.e., the content signifies something
  based on some order of interpretation (physics,
  mysticism, etc).
• Value, i.e., the meanings of the content vary
  with respect to each other within conventions of
  interpretation (for instance, culture).

3
Constructs of reality, contd

• If we suppose that reality is a phenomenon, then
  realities
• Generate in response to certain situations and
  stimuli (post 9-11 world, for example).
• Are relative to all other realities, without
  absolute position (the antithesis of which
  provokes such questions as Is Islam evil?).

4
Altered realities

• Translations, e.g., linguistic and cultural
• Paradoxes, e.g., double binds
• Hoaxes, e.g., talking, thinking animals
• Semantic, e.g., facts and inferences
• Disinformation, e.g., experiments
• Magic, e.g. imminent justice
• Interdependence, e.g., hermetic universe
• Threats and deception, e.g., terrorism and
  cheating

5
The virtual reality of identity
We come to see ourselves differently as we catch
sight of our images in the mirror of the
machine. -Sherry Turkle, Life on the Screen
6
Taxonomy of Identity

• Physical identity
• Virtual identity
• Re-presentations
• Unintentional
• Intentional

7
Considering digital identity

• Schism between physical and digital identities
  (First life vs. Second Life)
• Schism between solitary and community identities
  (No man is an island)
• Identity can be constructed (Will the real Barak
  Obama please stand up!)
• Identity can be flexible (Who can I be today?
  Who do you wish me to be?)
• Reconsider unitary notion of identity (I am who I
  am.)
• Identity conveys meaning (identity
  communication)
• Multiple identities (Doppelganger)
• Identity provides safety (On the Internet, no one
  knows youre a dog.)
• Identity can become saturated (Fandom, reference
  groups, etc.)
• Identity is staged (in both senses of the term)
• Identity is a work in progress (We are extensions
  of our technologies.)

8
How real is reality?