Abstract
The paper asserts that the definition of reality is as much a philosophical question as it is one of physics and spatial dimensions. The paper then discusses how the concept of reality or what can be defined as real is also very much related to perception and the consensus of the ones that are engaged in perceiving or the act of perceiving. The paper looks at how defining the character of reality first begins with Plato because he was the first of the classical philosophers who attempted to refine what constituted reality and upon what principles that reality was based with his "world of forms".

From the Paper
"The definition of reality is as much a philosophical question as it is one of physics and spatial dimensions. The concept of reality or what can be defined as real is also very much related to perception and the consensus of the ones that are engaged in perceiving or the act of perceiving. Defining the character of reality first begins with Plato because he was the first of the classical philosophers who attempted to refine what constituted reality and upon what principles that reality was based with his "world of forms" and his discourse on likeness and similarity: "does not everything that is going to be counted as impious have some single...""

Tags:reality, perception, consensus

Abstract
The paper examines how beliefs on the nature of reality have a direct impact on what one brings into her experience. The paper explores how what we "see" all around us is an interpretation of what really exists. The writer argues that, from a Christian standpoint, God is perfect. People have to learn to see perfection. The essay discusses quantum theory (specifically holographic theory) and argues the probability that human beings literally create an objective sense of reality.

Outline:
Introduction
New Science
Holographic Theory
Conclusion
References

From the Paper
"Eventually, he found that the physical senses perform a frequency analysis to construct a sense of solid reality. The "solid" image is a hologram. The brain receives input, which it fits together to form a perception of the world. This discovery led Pribram to question the nature of reality. He asked, which is reality--the objective world we seem to experience--or interference patterns perceived by a holographic brain that converts frequency patterns into three-dimensional images? He concluded that we live in a frequency domain. It doesn't become the "world" until after our senses perform an analysis and construct an image!"

Tags:neurosurgeon, spiritual, realm, laser, light, hologram, quanta, Implicate, Order

Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that three hundred years ago, a question was presented by William Molyneux as to whether someone blind who feels items such as a globe and a cube could readily identify them if he regained his sight. Case studies tend to show that, at best, this is rare, but there are not really enough cases to make a definitive result possible. The writer maintains that for the most part, however, the answer - even with modern technology - seems to be negative. The writer explains that this means Molyneux's question is more a philosophical game than a scientific reality.

From the Paper
"In the 17th century,the Irish scientist and politician William Molyneux posed a problem which continues to be the subject of coinjecture. Molyneux asked was whether a blind man who had learned through tooucho recognize and differentiate between the fobjects of a globe and a cube, upon regaining sight, could distinguish and name these objects. Even with modern technology it is found that vision remains impaired even if sight is restored and that especially three-dimensional recognition is marginal. As shown, there are some exceptions, but there is no single answer to ..."

Tags:blindness, identification

Abstract
The author of this paper examines the phenomena of reality television programs that are a large part of American television programming. The author seeks to discover whether such television programs focus on and bring out the worst aspects of American society or if, they are a mirror reflecting American culture and society as they really are. The author examines these phenomena primarily from a psychological point of view and present arguments and examples from current research and literature.

From the Paper
"However, psychologists and therapists feel that there is an aching psyche in the American culture that is using RTV as a cure, much in the way the Marx referred to religion as being the opiate of the people. Or as one writer updates it, "Is reality TV the crack cocaine of what critic Marie Winn calls the 'plug-in drug?'" (Breyer 100) RTV coupled with the massive bombardment of news, mostly bad, from around the nation and the world is numbing us to any emotional ties to reality. Javors compares RTV shows to the quick fix junk food restaurants and calls them "fast food programs" and states they are as bad for our minds as a constant diet of Double Whoppers with cheese and Chocolate Milk shakes would be to our bodies. She states that, "As a result, we are numbing ourselves to very real life challenges." (35)"

Tags:tabloid, journalism, fascinates, intrigues, audiences, set, script, entertainment, interaction, news, privacy, voyeurs

Abstract
A paper which shows how reality and illusion are interwoven not only throughout the story line of Don Quixote exploits, but how author, Miguel de Cervantes, even leaves the true authorship of this tale in question, suggesting that he is merely translating the story from the original writings of Cide Hamete. The paper discusses the madness of Don Quixote who sees people and objects in his everyday life as the counterparts in his knights and damsels world of chivalry, and how Don Quixote charging the windmills has become a classic scene and now serves to symbolize bravery in vain.

From the Paper
"Cervantes begins Part Two of Don Quixote again referring to the writings of Cide Hamete, thus, lending credence to both, Don Quixote and Hamete as real historic characters (Cervantes, 529). This further adds confusion between reality and fantasy. Throughout the novel there are countless scenes crossing the line of reality and illusion. The deathbed scene is perhaps the most poignant, for at the end, even though he himself had given up his chivalrous life and rejoined society, the others around him were still holding on to his fantastic world of knights and damsels in distress. But Don Quixote speaks, "I am no longer Don Quixote of La Mancha, but Alonso Quixana.""

Tags:Alonso, Quixano, knighthood, Sancho, Cide, Hame, Miguel, de, Cervantes

Abstract
This paper addresses the relevance of a "virtual reality" for the human-being, the use of virtual environments in social contexts, and the expectations for what is real in relation to what gives a being "realness". The paper demonstrates that modern progress in telecommunications and computer technologies poses both exciting possibilities for modern consumers and challenging questions for metaphysicians. Some ideas from "The Metaphysics of Virtual Reality" (Heim, 1993) are introduced and explored in terms of how the writer's thoughts at the dawning of the information age have been applicable for the digital age in the decade subsequent to the publication of his philosophies. An evaluation of the compatibility of the writer's ideas with the digital age of today is also undertaken. Relevant points about the nature of the human-being found in the writings of philosophers throughout various historical periods are also examined. Those ideas are used in demonstration of the thesis that a digital manifestation is present in social interactions as a causation of human nature based on human internal states. The scope of the paper limits itself in exploring this causation, rather than examining the entire scope and all implications of a "virtual reality".

Table of Contents:
Section 1: Argument -- Introduction
Definitions and Outline
Digital and Virtual Reality
Post-Virtual Reality and the Human Person
Section 2: Conclusions
Section 3: Bibliography On back page

From the Paper
"It often appears as though the whole revolution of Postmodernism has exaggerated our social and contextual placing of philosophical notions. Postmodernist thought has long fantasized over a popular fashion where we might argue for a form or essence based on perception or context, whereas I believe there must be some fixed essence before form can come into being."

Tags:telecommunications digital age, human nature, causation

Abstract
In this article, the writer provides a research proposal involving a topic dealing with communication, with the field of media studies specifically in mind. Mass communication audiences are under discussion, and from that the research topic was chosen. The topic involves the researching of the reality television phenomenon, with specific focus on South African television in terms of various factors, allowing the researcher the possibility of developing further understanding and academic work on a subject that is relatively new and still falls into the 'unknown' category. The writer concludes that it is visible that the South African reality television analysis is a necessary research study that should be conducted for many reasons, not least of which is the furthering of knowledge involved with broadcasting, communication and the mass media audiences.

Outline:
Introduction
Mass Communication Audiences
Audience Formation
Uses and Gratifications Model
What Gratifications are Sought and Obtained?
The Three Processes
Expectancy-Value Theory
Dependency Theory
Context of the Study
Purpose of the Study
Background of the Study
Relevance of the Topic
Literature Review
Similar Research
Type of Study
Formulation of Research problem, Questions or Hypothesis
Research Problem
Sub-problems
Research questions
Methodology
The Research Method
Quantitative Research
Qualitative Research
Collection and Interpretation of Data
Questionnaire Example
Feasibility and Ethics of the Study
Anticipated Findings
Anticipation of Findings
Uses and Gratifications Theory
Anticipated Contribution to Communication
Conclusion
10 SOURCES

From the Paper
"It is important to understand what gratifications are actually sought after and obtained in order to further understand the theory. This may be further explained by looking at McQuail's 'Typology of Gratifications Sought and Obtained'. In this typology he names four gratification categories that the public media choices fall into. The first category is information, meaning that the audience exposes themselves to the media product in order to be informed."
"The second category in the typology is that of personal identity. A viewer of the Big Brother program may seek gratification in terms of personal identity by reinforcing personal values regarding sexual abstinence that are echoed in the reality program or by identifying oneself with a featured role model in the show. A third category discussed in the typology is that of integration and social interaction. This category deals with the need people have to be part of a society and have a sense of membership or belonging. McQuail's final category in his typology is entertainment. The need for entertainment may be sought out to divert one's attention from life's problems and struggles or simply to fill time. This is specifically visible in the case of reality television. The gratification model is made up of three processes."

Tags:TV, shows, audiences, participant, media

Abstract
The paper relates that reality television does not have a moral framework as a motivation for its existence. The paper then examines the perspective of those who create the shows and those who participate and goes on to reveal that reality shows represent probably one of the best sources of profit available to television producers. The paper concludes that despite their questionable morality and the ethical problems they raise, each of these shows have the free consent of their participants. The paper therefore concludes that given the fact that the public enjoys them, the future of the reality shows appears to be bright.

From the Paper
"One of the presidents of NBC television stated at one point that "reality programming is not just a fad, it's a trend... and it is a genre that is going to be around for a while" (Madger, 2004, 141). Reality television can indeed be considered to be one of the most innovative and catchy TV programs of the last years. They are willing to capture the every move of an individual and the individual is in his turn willing to share his moves with probably millions of people from around the world or from a certain country. In the last decade, this means of television has become one of the most popular television programs in the world. However, despite its entertainment role, there are several ethical issues concerning this subject, some which must be analyzed in order to assess the degree in which the value of a documentary can be substituted by the one of a reality show."

Tags:morals, stars, celebrities, contestants, profit, audience

Abstract
In this article, the writer introduces, discusses and analyzes the film "The Truman Show" directed by Peter Weir. Specifically, the writer discusses how the film raises the issue of appearances differing from reality, and how that affects the skeptic and the true believer in all of us. The writer maintains that Truman Burbank is a true innocent in this film, trusting those around him and his own perceptions to be the truth. However, they are not. The writer notes that Truman is actually the victim of an elaborate hoax, and has been his entire life. The writer discusses that the film makes the viewer think about reality, and how one perceives reality, and it raises questions about beliefs, skepticism and trust.

From the Paper
"Reality is at the core of this film, and it illustrates that what is entirely real for one person can be another person's fantasy. The film makes the viewer question how they see reality, but also, the core theme is what is reality, really? Truman's life is entirely real to him, and until he begins to question his surroundings and some of the things that are happening, he is totally happy and secure in that reality. Underlying this theme is the question, what would we do if we were in the same situation as Truman? Would we be able to deal with it as effectively as he does? In essence, when he realizes that something is not right in his perfect world, his response is not really to flee, but to discover, and there is a big difference between the two. He wants to find out the truth, but also find out what lies beyond the massive soundstage that has been his home for his entire life. The audience has to feel that if the same thing happened to them, would they react in the same way"

Tags:skepticism, trust, fantasy, truth

Abstract
This paper discusses how many early English works of literature incorporate themes of truth and reality, using techniques such as dream-visions, introducing theological questions like, "Whose God is God?", and exaggerating the portrayal of characters - especially Christ - to illustrate a certain meaning or theme. In particular, the paper looks at how it can be deduced from studying three non-related works from different periods of time - "The Lie," by Sir Walter Ralegh in the Tudor period, "The Wanderer," an anonymous writing from the Anglo-Saxon period, and "Good Friday, 1613, Riding Westward," by John Donne in the Stuart period - that early English writers were as consumed with the search for truth as writers are today.

From the Paper
""Good Friday, 1613, Riding Westward," written by John Donne in the Stuart period, follows the same pattern. In this poem, Donne is reminded of the life and death of Christ, and he begins to question whether he can behold the sight of God's death: the crucifixion of Christ. Later, disgusted with himself, Donne begs God to punish him as he himself was punished. This presents in one poem two polar opposite realities - one in which the narrator cannot bear witness to his Lord's suffering and another in which he wishes to suffer that agony himself as penance. Donne turns away from his Lord, suggesting abandonment, because he cannot bear the weight of the pain his Lord had to suffer. In doing so, Donne is admitting his own sinfulness. Yet, Donne's conclusion reads similar to the conclusions of "The Lie" and "The Wanderer." "

Tags:God, atheism, metaphor