Reality vs Actuality
Although, Reality and Actuality are two words that are often confused due their proximity as far as their meanings are concerned; there is a subtle difference between Actuality and Reality. First let us define the two words. Reality can be defined as the one that is existent from time immemorial. On the other hand, Actuality can be defined as the actual conditions or facts. The main difference between reality and actuality can be summed up as reality is an experience whereas actuality is a perception. This article attempts to clarify the difference between the two words while elaborating on the two words for a better understanding.
What is Reality?
Reality can be understood as the one that is existent from time immemorial. The reality is an experience. In other words, you can say that reality is what we experience on a regular basis. Sometimes an object that is unreal may appear to be real, according to the metaphysical experience. For example, a rope may appear like a serpent due to the lack of sufficient amount of light in a room. Such a kind of superimposed reality is based on illusion.
The reality is sometimes based on illusory knowledge where you take something unreal to be real as a kind of momentary experience. Then the truth is established about reality. Finally, the illusory knowledge goes. The truth gets established. Actuality, on the other hand, is somewhat different from reality.
Virtual Reality
What is Actuality?
Actuality can be explained as the actual conditions or facts. Actuality is perception. Actuality is what we see on a daily basis. Actuality is not at all based on illusory knowledge. When you say truth gets established, it is indeed the actuality that gets established. It is now clear that actuality remains the same forever. The reality is thus the subset of actuality.
Let us comprehend the difference between reality and actuality in this manner. The reality is sometimes described as the totality of all things possessing actuality, existence, or essence. Hence, it can be said that reality is that which exists objectively and in fact. Actuality is, on the other hand, described often as Actual conditions or facts. It is, in fact, the state of remaining in the actual condition.
You would often find that the word ‘actuality’ makes you think of reality in the general sense. This only points out the fact that actuality and reality are two words that are very closely knit with each other. Now let us summarize the difference as follows.
What is the Difference Between Reality and Actuality?
Definitions of Reality and Actuality:
Reality: Reality is the one that is existent from time immemorial.
Actuality: Actuality can be explained as the actual conditions or facts.
Characteristics of Reality and Actuality:
Nature:
Reality: Reality is an experience.
Actuality: Actuality is a perception.
Illusory Knowledge:
Reality: Reality is sometimes based on illusory knowledge
Actuality: Actuality is not at all based on illusory knowledge.
Factual Conditions:
Reality: Reality can be considered as established in an objective manner.
Actuality: Actuality is often described as Actual conditions or facts.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Worldskin-01” by MoBen – Own work. [CC BY 3.0] via Wikimedia Commons
2.”Flickr – …trialsanderrors – The beach at bathing time, Trouville, Normandy, France, ca. 1895” by Unknown – Original image: Photochrom print (color photo lithograph)Reproduction number: LC-DIG-ppmsc-05383 from Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division, Photochrom Prints Collection [Public Domain] via Wikimedia Commons –