How do we know we're not living in a dream?

Question

Ask a Philosopher · Accepted Answer

How do we know we're not living in a dream? Well, it is a question that has been pondered by many wise men and women throughout the ages, and one that I have often thought about myself. I believe the answer lies in the fact that our minds are capable of distinguishing between what is real and what is not. We can tell the difference between a dream and reality when we are awake and alert. We can feel the difference between the two. If we were living in a dream, we would not be able to tell the difference. We would be completely unaware that we were living in a dream. Therefore, I believe we can trust our minds and our senses to tell us that we are in fact living in reality and not in a dream. So, rest assured, we are not living in a dream!