reality principle

is the constraint of what is experienced as possible within the symbolically constructed social space.

The Freudian reality principle does not designate the Real but rather the constraints of what is experienced as possible within the symbolically constructed social space, that is, the demands of social reality. And an act is not only a gesture that does the impossible but an intervention into social reality that changes the very coordinates of what is perceived to be possible... it is not simply beyond the good, it redefines what counts as good. (Zizek 2000 : 671-672).

reality principle, n.Definitions

reality principle