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[Essay]

The Human Dilemma
: Life Between Illusion and Reality

Ben G. Yacobi

Journal of Philosophy of Life Vol.3, No.3 (September 2013):202-211

Abstract

The human mind struggles to grasp reality, but in practical terms can only generate various concepts and theories that have their limitations. Identifying their boundaries of applicability is essential. If these boundaries and limits are not well defined, concepts and theories may turn into dogmas and one is left with illusions of understanding. Concepts and theories cannot fully describe the ultimate reality due to the inaccessibility to all the elements of emergent reality, and due to the inherent unknowability of all that remains to be discovered and understood. Thus, some disconnect from reality is inevitable and humans are caught between illusion and reality. The fundamental problem of illusions seizing the individual’s awareness is the resulting reluctance to see things as they are and to be seen without illusions.

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