The Case for Reality
Summary
Defense of metaphysical realism against idealism, anti-realism, and simulation hypotheses. Reality exists independently of observation. Coherence of experience requires external structure. Pragmatic necessity: science, engineering, ethics all presuppose realist ontology. Even if we’re in simulation, that simulation is the real we must engage. Realism is methodological prerequisite for knowledge-building.
Key Concepts
- Metaphysical realism – Reality exists independently of minds/observation
- Coherence requirement – Shared experience requires external structure
- Pragmatic realism – Even simulation requires treating its laws as real