From Ancient philosophy to contemporary theories of fiction it is a common practice to
relegate illusory appearances to the realm of the non-existent like shadows on the wall of
Plato's cave. Contrary to this traditional mode of drawing a metaphysical distinction between
reality and fiction Markus Gabriel argues that the realm of the illusory fictional imaginary
and conceptually indeterminate is as real as it gets. Being in touch with reality need not and
cannot require that we overcome appearances in order to grasp a meaningless reality which
exists 'out there ' outside and maybe even beyond our minds. Human mindedness (Geist) exists
in the mode of fictions through which we achieve self-consciousness. This novel approach
provides a fresh perspective on our existence as subjects who lead their lives in the light of
self-conceptions. Fictions also develops a social ontology according to which the social
unfolds as a constant renegotiation of dissent of different points of view onto the same
reality. Thus we cannot ever hope to ground human society in a fiction-free realm of objective
transactions. However this does not mean that truth and reality are somehow outdated concepts.
On the contrary we need to enlarge our conception of reality so that it fully encompasses
ourselves as specifically minded social animals. This major new work of philosophy will be of
interest to students and scholars throughout the humanities and to anyone interested in
contemporary philosophy and social thought.
