We must first know the nature of reality
“Before we can know what knowing is, we have to know what reality is. Ontology preceeds epistemology, because all knowledge can be doubted, but existence cannot (as denoted by Descartes' cogito ergo sum). “
- The Biggest Picture
Being precedes knowing
Before you can know what is true, what is knowledge You must first know the nature of being, of existence, what is REAL
metaphysics asks "what is?" ontology asks "what is reality, what is real, what is the nature of that which is?" epistemology asks "what is true, what is knowledge?"
Ontology precedes epistemology Being precedes knowledge
The fundamental truth is “I am” “I exist”
Theory of Mind, Metaphysics,
Gordon White
A lot depends on your theory of mind Your theory of reality, perception and belief of what reality is
Our current culture has a very simplistic, materialistic theory of mind
When you get the metaphysics wrong, then you get so much else wrong
When your perception of yourself and your reality is wrong, is erroneous, is severely limited, is in Plato’s Cave - then
How you perceive yourself and reality/existence determines everything If it is limited and ignorant - then you will create limitation and ignorance
Ontology
Nothing is “real” Everything is “real”
It’s all in your head
It’s all mind, all consciousness, all spirit, All a dream, all a hallucination.
“True Hallucinations”
“Just” a dream, just a hallucination
It’s ALL in your head. You just have no idea how infinitely big your head really is.
Everything is symbolic, everything is synchronicity Everything is imagination, a living dream
Those who think “reality” is “real” and solid and material and objective The Objective Reality Delusion It seems to be true, as long as one is not paying close attention, not sensitive. As long as one ignores all the wonder and mystery and infinite creativity of existence itself all around you. “Reality” seems to be Objectively “real” if you believe that it is so. What you believe you perceive.
It is time for humanity to evolve beyond a strictly limited materialist view of oneself and reality. All truths are true for those who believe them - but this belief is severely limited and not in alignment with the nature of existence/reality/the universe.
What is your perception/understanding of metaphysics and epistemology and phenomenology What is real? What is reality?