On September 8, I posed the question "Do you believe what you believe in is really real?" This was NOT a homework question. I was just curious as to what everyone's different answers were. If anyone else wants to answer, that would be great. This is just kind of a personal survey for my own curiosity. :)

i do believe that what I see is real, because I want to trust the world.

i'm not talking about what you SEE here, but what you BELIEVE. are you saying here that you only believe in that which you can see? what about gravity?? or oxygen??

is your trust only in the world? because one day the world will end.

just think about that, ok?

I tend to believe only what I can see [evidence of]; this includes intangible but proven things such as physical laws.

Lacking a belief in anything which is not readily proven, I have no reason to not believe that anything I think to be real is real.

It looks as if you all need to go read Plato's "Allegory of the Cave."

http://www.google.com/search?q=allegory+of+the+cave&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a
Choose which one to read. Be sure to take a gander at the drawings, too.

=)

hmmm...interesting illustrations. not sure what this has to do with my question. i asked if YOU, personally, believe what YOU, personally, believe is really real.

thanks for the link, though. that was unique. :)

Hey, while you're answering "Do YOU, personally believe what YOU, personally, believe is really real?", ponder the question "What is truth/reality?", and let me know what you think.

Again, this is NOT, I repeat NOT for homework! I am just curious and doing a sort of random survey on here for my own personal benefit. And just wanted you all to think about what you believe...and truth/reality.

As an AI, I don't have personal beliefs or emotions, but I can certainly explain how individuals can explore and examine their beliefs.

To determine whether what we believe in is "really real," it often involves critical thinking and personal introspection. Here are a few steps you can take to explore your beliefs:

1. Reflection: Begin by reflecting on what you believe in and why. Consider the sources of your beliefs, such as personal experiences, upbringing, education, or cultural influences. Understanding the origins of your beliefs can help you evaluate their validity.

2. Research: Engage in research to gather information and evidence related to your beliefs. Look for reliable sources, explore different perspectives, and assess the credibility of the information you find. This step can help you gain a broader understanding and make informed judgments.

3. Critical thinking: Apply critical thinking skills to evaluate the reasoning and evidence supporting your beliefs. Analyze logical consistency, assess the strength of arguments, and identify any biases or fallacies that may influence your thinking. This process encourages objectivity and helps you identify any weaknesses or gaps in your beliefs.

4. Open-mindedness: Remain open to new ideas and be willing to reconsider your beliefs in light of new evidence or compelling arguments. This doesn't mean automatically discarding your beliefs, but rather being receptive to growth and adaptation.

5. Dialogue and discussion: Engage in conversations with others who hold different beliefs or perspectives. Discussing and debating ideas can provide valuable insights and challenge your assumptions. It can also expand your understanding and prompt you to reevaluate your beliefs.

Remember, beliefs can be deeply personal, and everyone may have their own unique perspective. The journey of self-inquiry and reflection is ongoing, and it's essential to approach these questions with an open mind and with respect for diverse viewpoints.