What are the "degrees removed from reality?"
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There are several good articles in there to help you understand this terminology. Skip the "jstor" one, though, unless you have a membership through your school or library.
Whether you are discussing characters in a story or a painting, the "people" involved all have the ability to view their lives according to their own desires. They see things the way they WANT to see them, which is not always consistent with reality as observed from the outside.
Sports can also be considered being some degree removed from reality because of the wish fulfillment of our dreams. Sports offer an escape from our real lives by giving us a vent to our secret desires and fears.
The concept of "degrees removed from reality" refers to how far removed a particular idea, statement, or belief is from factual or objective reality. It is often used to describe the level of detachment or distortion from truth that can occur when information is passed through multiple sources or interpretations.
To determine the degrees removed from reality for a specific claim or idea, you can follow these steps:
1. Identify the claim: Start by pinpointing the specific statement or belief that you want to assess.
2. Find the original source: Try to identify the original source of the claim or the earliest mention of it. This can help in understanding the context and initial intention.
3. Analyze the claim: Evaluate the claim critically and objectively. Consider whether it aligns with established facts, scientific consensus, logical reasoning, and reliable evidence. Look for any contradictions or inconsistencies with reality.
4. Trace the information path: Examine how the claim has been disseminated or influenced by different sources. Determine if there have been any alterations, exaggerations, or misinterpretations along the way.
5. Assess credibility and bias: Consider the credibility and potential biases of each source involved in propagating the claim. Evaluate their expertise, reputation, reliability, and any potential conflicts of interest.
6. Quantify the degrees: Assign a subjective value or rating to indicate how far removed the claim is from reality. This can be based on your judgment of the evidence, logical reasoning, and level of distortion or misinformation present.
Remember that determining the exact degrees removed from reality can be subjective, as it involves interpretation and critical analysis. It is important to seek reliable and diverse sources of information to minimize the risk of misinformation or distortion.