Gilles Deleuze: 'The virtual is opposed not to the real but to the actual. The virtual is fully real in so far as it is virtual.'

The virtual is opposed not to the real but to the actual. The virtual is fully real in so far as it is virtual.

In his profound insight, philosopher Gilles Deleuze once said, "The virtual is opposed not to the real but to the actual. The virtual is fully real in so far as it is virtual." This quote carries great significance in challenging our conventional understanding of reality and illuminating the complex relationship between the virtual and the actual. Deleuze's assertion highlights that the virtual is not a mere illusion or fantasy but a genuine existence, albeit in a different state. To grasp the essence of this notion, it is crucial to explore the unexpected philosophical concept of parallel worlds and juxtapose it with Deleuze's proposition.To comprehend Deleuze's quote more straightforwardly, we can interpret it as follows: the virtual is not a diminished version of the real, but rather an alternative manifestation of reality. It exists in its own right, possessing its own set of laws and potentials. Rather than being an inferior or counterfeit representation of the actual, the virtual is authentic, genuine, and substantial within its specific realm.To delve deeper into this concept, let us consider the philosophical notion of parallel worlds. According to this concept, there exist multiple universes or dimensions, each containing its unique set of laws, possibilities, and actualities. Just as Deleuze distinguishes between the virtual and the actual, parallel worlds differentiate from our familiar reality, but they remain equally real within their respective domains. In this perspective, the virtual corresponds to the parallel worlds, as they are fully real insofar as they are virtual realities.By drawing a parallel between Deleuze's quote and the idea of parallel worlds, we can discern fascinating resemblances. Both concepts challenge our conventional understanding of reality and prompt us to reconsider our preconceptions. In the realm of parallel worlds, the virtual becomes a concrete existence rather than a mere illusion. Similarly, in Deleuze's philosophy, the virtual is not a diminished reality but a genuine and substantial realm.Moreover, these concepts share another intriguing similarity—they expand our perception of dimensions beyond our immediate experience. They invite us to contemplate the vast complexities and infinite possibilities that coexist with our familiar reality. This broader perspective challenges our limitations and encourages us to explore different modes of existence.However, a key distinction separates Deleuze's notion of the virtual from that of parallel worlds. While parallel worlds suggest the coexistence of distinct realities, Deleuze focuses on the distinction between the virtual and the actual within a broader reality. The virtual, in Deleuze's philosophy, is not an independent realm but an inherent aspect of the actual. It represents the potentialities, fluctuations, and variations that exist within a single reality.In conclusion, Gilles Deleuze's quote about the virtual being fully real in its virtuality encourages us to reconsider our understanding of reality. By emphasizing the genuine existence of the virtual rather than dismissing it as an illusion, Deleuze challenges conventional notions. When comparing this proposition to the concept of parallel worlds, we find striking similarities. Both notions expand our perception of reality and prompt us to consider the vast complexities that lie beyond our immediate experience. However, while parallel worlds suggest separate dimensions, Deleuze focuses on the distinction between the virtual and the actual within a single reality. By exploring these philosophical concepts, we open ourselves to new perspectives and possibilities in understanding the multifaceted nature of existence.