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Not if one is misinterpreting reality as a result of misunderstanding of or being in ignorance of its true nature. Reality is objectively true from whatever reality one is perceiving it. In the dream, dream reality is objectively true from the dream character's perspective.
Real is that which exist in reality, illusion is that which exist only in my head. If I die, my illusions die with me, but that which is real remains. IOW if I die, the dragon on my front lawn goes away, but the tree on my front lawn remains.
Something that is real has qualities that are independent of observation, but illusions are a product of observation.
When I did my degree I did a philosophy module but it didn't cover anything like this!
I'm fairly certain metaphysics is one of them.
Metaphysics is probably the most foundational of all areas of philosophy with ontology (how we define reality) plus epistemology (how we can know anything) being two of the major branches. Philosophy more or or less starts with reasoned arguments to defeat skepticism and uncertainty so one has a foundation from which to build other ideas - things like right conduct (how we decide ethics) and right governance (how we decide laws).
I've studied things like ethics, God, logic, the individual, political philosophy but there is a gap in my knowledge of philosophy
It can be tricky.
The photoelectric effect is useful for finding out about the relationship between observation and reality.
I think you and Zhuangzi have a lot in common and am sure will find his philosophy very interesting.
If one grants certain axiomatic assumptions about reality and our ability to know it, yes. Otherwise, not so much. Per some notions, nothing that humans observe is "real." For example, if we grant that everything in the observed universe is ephemeral and fleeting, none if it is really real - the really real is that which is eternal and unchanging. Such is the notion of ideal forms, or mathematical equations, that remain true regardless of time and space. Material reality is thus seen as but an illusion or manifestation of the ideal forms or true reality behind the curtain. Not saying I subscribe to such notions personally mind, mostly just positing an example of how what we think we know is the case is not necessarily so depending on point of view. That's a lot of what philosophy teaches - much is a matter of the perspective taken on things.
Nah, I'd just start with some basic textbooks, lectures, videos by relevant experts and explore from there. I've taken to revisiting some of the foundations myself this tide as I definitely need a refresh. The inspiration will take you places all on its own.
The perspective I'm taking here contrasts the knowledge of the divine with the knowledge of human beings, as reflected by the saying "to err is human". This goes back to Cicero and the state as protector in contrast with protection afforded by deity, eg the warning that "my people are destroyed for lack of knowledge".
^^^ need we say more? even sun is an illusion if you ask an advaitist hindu (follower of non-duality).
that is where science comes to help. look at your finger. as you go deeper, there is flesh and blood. go deeper and it is just atoms. go even further and there are just four fundamental forces of nature.
I always go for illusory to be more accurate.^^^ need we say more? even sun is an illusion if you ask an advaitist hindu (follower of non-duality).
Your questions are trapping themselves.
One ambiguous line in the sand are magic tricks. Magic can appear to be real to the eyes. However, once it appears to defy common sense and/or even the laws of nature, we know there is a trick involved. If the trick is done well, we may have problems figuring out how it works. Until you figure out how it works, the illusion remains real to someone.
