Volume 9 No 1 (2011)
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Psychiatry and Reality Perception of Matter or Matter of Perception?
Ursula Werneke
Abstract
Current concepts of delusion rely on the assumption that one single objective external
reality exists as a benchmark for our internal experiences. With the advent of quantum
theory this assumption has become untenable. Accepting the Copenhagen
interpretation that there is no reality beyond what is revealed by the act of
measurement or observation implies that there is no objective reality. One alternative
interpretation of quantum theory is the “many worlds” interpretation which finds its
philosophical correlate in the “plurality of worlds” theory. However, the idea of all
possible worlds being not just possible but real is even more counter‐intuitive. Virtual
reality is a way to systematically alter the usual relationship between external reality
and the user’s experience of it. Although virtual reality is not the same as parallel
reality and both are separate strands in the “fabric of reality” they are related. With
the advance of virtual reality there is already developing an increasing sense that the
real and digital worlds seem to converge. But even if we believed in only one single
objective external reality we could still never experience this reality directly. Our
experience of reality is essentially one of virtual reality as generated by our brain. The
“many worlds” interpretation implies that other copies of our brain rendering other
experiences exist. Thus, in view of the uncertain nature of reality it is necessary to
rethink our accepted concept of psychosis. Currently, meticulous history taking and
accurate clinical observation remains our best option trying to understand psychotic
symptoms
Keywords
delusion, DSM, many worlds interpretation, plurality of worlds, quantum theory, parallel reality, psychosis, virtual reality
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