The question you're asking touches on the realms of philosophy and metaphysics. There are different perspectives on this matter, and the answer can vary depending on one's beliefs and philosophical stance. I'll provide a brief overview of two main perspectives:
Physical Realism: According to physical realism, the world we live in is a physically real and objective reality that exists independently of our minds. In this view, the external world is made up of tangible, touchable objects, and our perceptions and experiences are responses to this external reality. Science, particularly physics, is seen as the primary means of understanding this objective reality.
Phenomenalism/Idealism: On the other hand, phenomenalism or idealism suggests that the world we experience is constructed in our minds, and what we perceive as external reality is a product of our consciousness. According to this perspective, we don't have direct access to the "true" nature of reality outside of our perceptions. Our experiences and the external world are interconnected and intertwined, and the mind plays a crucial role in shaping our understanding of reality.
It's worth noting that the nature of reality and the mind-body relationship is an age-old philosophical debate, and there are many other philosophical positions that explore these concepts.
In our everyday lives, we often interact with the world through our senses, which implies a level of physicality and tangibility. We touch objects, feel textures, and perceive the external world around us. From a practical standpoint, this physical aspect of reality is what we mostly rely on to navigate our lives.
However, delving deeper into the nature of reality and consciousness leads us into complex philosophical inquiries that don't have simple, definitive answers. Different perspectives and philosophical traditions offer various explanations and interpretations of the world's true nature and our relationship to it. Ultimately, how we interpret and understand the world around us is influenced by our experiences, beliefs, and the philosophical lens through which we view reality.