"What is Physics?" This was a question posed by our professor recently during a class discussion in which we expressed our opinions as to the definition of Physics. Some answered that Physics is the study of matter and energy while others said that Physics is the study of motion in the universe. Our group's answer was that Physics is the scientific study of the physical universe and the natural laws it obeys such as the forces of attraction, etc..
"What is reality?" This was another question we answered during the discussion. Our answer was that reality is what a person believes to be true through his/her observations. I had this idea that if a child was placed in a white room, assuming that the child never goes hungry or thirsty, then by the time the child reaches adulthood, the white room is his/her universe and reality. If a stone suddenly appears in the room, then his/her reality will shift to include the possibility that there is something more to the room. Our answer was more philosophical in nature than the other group's answers. Some argued that Physics and reality are the same while others argued that reality is just the perception of a person.
Physics may be defined in a Merriam-Webster's dictionary, but the true definition and nature of reality may not be known or understood for a long time. Nevertheless, the debate on what is reality and "real" will still continue.
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