Final answer:
To ascertain the reality of something we haven't personally seen, we use tools for verification such as scientific measurements for phenomena or logical inferences for historical events. Subjective interpretation also plays a role, affecting our understanding of what reality is, which can be singular or multiple, and challenging the concept of realness.
Step-by-step explanation:
To know something is real without personally seeing it, we rely on various methods of verification beyond personal experience. For instance, scientific instruments provide data about phenomena like subatomic particles or distant galaxies, which we can't experience directly. Witness testimony, historical records, and logical inferences help us establish the reality of past events. The claim of a container of milk in the refrigerator can be verified by checking, but the context (like what constitutes 'milk' or 'container') matters. Therefore, the processes of testing, observing, and interpreting are integral to understanding reality. Moreover, while we can have various interpretations and experiences, reality itself poses the question of whether there is just one or multiple totalities of existence that we label as the universe.
When determining if something is real, we consider its relation to observable and measurable phenomena. This includes tools, theories, and concepts that allow us to interpret observations into our understanding of reality. Even in the realm of entertainment, such as Hollywood movies featuring alien contacts, these depictions might not align with our scientific understanding but reflect human curiosity about the unknown and the broader universe. Ultimately, our perception rests on cognitive claims about reality, which can be substantiated or refuted via systematic methods.