The idea that the entire world could be a hallucination is a philosophical concept that has been explored in various ways throughout history. It is often associated with philosophical skepticism, which questions the reliability of our senses and our ability to perceive reality accurately.
However, from a practical and scientific standpoint, the idea that the entire world is one big hallucination is not supported by the current understanding of the universe. Our perception of the world is based on complex interactions between our sensory organs, nervous system, and brain. While our senses can be fallible and can sometimes lead to misinterpretations, they generally provide us with a reasonably reliable representation of the external world.
Science and empirical evidence have shown us that there is a consistent and shared reality that is experienced by multiple individuals. We can make predictions, conduct experiments, and develop technologies based on our understanding of this shared reality. These aspects of our experience suggest that there is an objective reality that exists independent of individual perception.
While it can be an intriguing philosophical concept to entertain the idea of a grand hallucination, it is essential to differentiate philosophical thought experiments from our practical understanding of reality. In our everyday lives, it is more useful to operate on the assumption that there is a shared and objective reality while being aware of the limitations of our perception and being open to updating our understanding as new information arises.
If you find yourself struggling with questions about the nature of reality or experiencing intense or distressing perceptions, it can be helpful to discuss these thoughts with a mental health professional or a philosopher who specializes in these areas. They can provide you with valuable insights and support to navigate these philosophical ponderings in a constructive and healthy way.