Split reality, as described in the reference, refers to the existence of two realities that cannot be bridged. This concept suggests that reality as a whole is fundamentally divided and appears incurably split because these distinct realms cannot be connected or reconciled.
Understanding the "Split"
The core idea of split reality is the inability to unify disparate aspects of existence into a single, cohesive understanding. The reference points out a specific manifestation of this split in the context of physicalism.
The Limitations of Physicalism
Physicalism, which often attempts to explain all phenomena through physical processes, is presented as trying to "heal the split." However, according to the reference, it only pretends to do so. This implies that a purely physical understanding of the world is insufficient to bridge the gap between the two realities.
Unexplained Phenomena
The reference highlights key areas that science, often aligned with physicalist views, cannot explain, demonstrating where the split remains unbridged:
- Where thoughts come from: The origin and nature of thoughts are not fully explained by physical processes alone.
- Why we are conscious beings: The phenomenon of consciousness, the subjective experience of being, remains a mystery that science struggles to account for.
- Why the human mind is creative: The capacity for creativity and generating novel ideas goes beyond simple physical interactions.
These aspects of the human mind and consciousness represent one side of the split, while the physical world understood by science represents the other. The difficulty in bridging these two domains is the essence of this concept of split reality.
Implications
The implication is that if science and physicalism cannot explain these fundamental aspects of reality – particularly those related to mind and consciousness – then reality itself appears incurably divided into realms that cannot be fully integrated or understood as a single entity. This perspective suggests a profound philosophical challenge in reconciling different facets of existence.
