Magaa 1

Jesse Magaa
Prof. Kane
English 115 mw
24 August 2016
Essay 2.1
Perception of reality is a tricky subject to discuss due to the complexity and uncertainty
of the topic. Perception of reality is unique to each individual and we cant exactly be sure what
we think is reality is correct. So how do we possibly create a composite reality in which we as
a society can all believe is real? The answer is fairly simple, though faith and compromise we
can create a reality that we can all believe in and, faith like how religious people have faith in
God and his plan. A reality in which we can live in and interact with one another productively.
To begin there is one thing we can be certain is real. Our mind and our thoughts are real
without question. Descartes says I find here that thought is an attribute that belongs to me; it
alone cannot be separated from me. I am, I exist- - that is certain; but for how long? As long as I
think. For it may happen that, if I stopped thinking altogether, I would at the same time
altogether cease being. I am now admitting nothing that would not be necessarily true. Thus I
am, speaking precisely, only a thinking thing; that is to say, a mind, an understanding, or a
reason, which are terms whose meaning was previously unknown to me. In other words: I am a
real thing and really existent; but what thing? I have already said it: a thing that thinks. So
according to Descartes we as individuals are real simply because our thoughts are real. Which
helps create a composite reality as a society because we are all real and have individual thoughts.
Thoughts that can contribute to our reality in order to strengthen the reality we create.

Magaa 2
Donald Hoffman in is Ted Talk, in which he spoke on perception and reality, basically
said that we cannot believe in our senses. That what we see, hear, feel, smell, or taste may not
really be there in front of us. However, according to Descartes theory since our mind, thoughts,
and selves are real then our minds have to at least be partially correct when perceiving the world
through our sense. Through our senses our brains have to be able to pieces together at least a
basic reality that contains some truth to it. That is where the faith and compromise comes into
play.
Together using faith and compromise we can come to a composite reality. As stated
before our mind should be able to partially perceive reality through our senses. So if we each
person can perceive a small part all we have to do is rely on each others thoughts and
perspectives to create a complete reality. However only under two conditions can this work
efficiently one being through faith in each other and our perspectives so we create a complete
composite reality that is real and reliable. The second being open-mindedness in hearing out
everyones perceptions of reality. If there isnt then there would be a possible chance to expand
on complete reality. There is also a chance that ignoring ones perception could taint the validity
of the current composite reality. Then there is the consequences of being closed minded that
would be a huge problem.
In the Allegory of the Cave by Plato there is a perfect example of what could happen if
we dont come together and have an open mind to everyones perspectives. In the text of the
Allegory of the Cave the prisoners completely rejected the escaped prisoners new views and
even threaten to kill him due to his different view of reality. We must be willing to hear peoples
new views and adapt our reality according to the new view if it turns out to be a valid view of
life. There are several real life examples of closed mindedness two of which being political

Magaa 3
parties and the 2nd amendment. Today, all major political parties have their own-armed cadres
whose main responsibility is to strengthen their political base and to counter the cadres of rival
political parties. In the process, politics has become more reliant on muscle power, and a new
breed of politicians with money and armed support is increasingly replacing old-fashioned
politicians (Moniruzzaman 4). In Bangladesh closed mindedness has gotten to the point where
violence has taken over and compromise is nowhere in question. A less violent example is the
argument over the 2nd amendment, in Guns and the Constitution: The Myth of The Second
Amendment Protection of Firearms in America by Jacob Sullum, he quotes Dennis A. Henigan,
The Myth of Second Amendment Protection for Firearms in America, goes like this: If the
Second Amendment guarantees every individual a right to arms as a safeguard against tyranny, it
must also guarantee every individual the right to use those arms against the government. But the
Constitution gives Congress the power to "suppress insurrections" (with the help of the very
militia mentioned in the Second Amendment). Who is to distinguish between legitimate
resistance against tyranny and illegitimate insurrection? We can hardly leave the decision to the
courts, since they are part of the government. But letting individuals decide for themselves is a
recipe for anarchy. This one quote would spark a huge argument in which both sides opinions
are so strong they cannot keep an open mind on the issue, in a more extreme case would be the
political parties in Bangladesh. It is crucial to keep an open mind regarding perception or else
things like this could occur.
The best way to come up with a composite reality where we can all interact productively
would be to communicate with one another to piece together a whole reality. Using faith in one
another and compromise/ open mindedness this is completely possible and would create a reality
in which we can be assured is real and reliable.