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Many discussions on mind, reality, objectivity, etc. get confused because of a lack of adequate or univerally accepted (I do not mean acceptable) definitions.

Perhaps the following may serve to bring about some consensus:

<1>
Reality: (The impression of) some aspects of the physical world that seem to have existence independent of the presence or absence of the human (or any other) mind.

<2>
Perceived reality: The mapping of aspects of the physical world into the experiential dimension of living organisms. This is also interpreted as the creation of the neuronal network of brains. From the point of view of science, an entity like the brain which consists of atoms and molecules cannot emerge in a place like the
universe which consists of planets, stars and galaxies, if there were no atoms and molecules, stars an galaxies independent of the human brain. Hence the assumption that there is a Reality.

<3>
Subjective: that which arises in a specific neuronal (brain) structure.

<4>
Objective: that which is common to the (normal) brain structures of a particular species.

<5>
Consciousness: the awareness (articulated or not) of perceived reality.

<6>
Mind: the property associated with consciousness that analyses various aspects of perceived reality.

<7>
Is there a Reality independent of the human mind? There may be, and the scientific world view suggests that there is. However, science (indeed any human being) can only become aware of, and analyze, perceived reality. All else is extrapolation which may or may not be correct. However, such Reality is only of theoretical (metaphysical) interest and/or validity.

Professor V. V. Raman
Rochester, N.Y.

<vvrsps@rit.edu>