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Yes there is an external reality. The biggest mistake in modern philosophy--beginning with Descartes--was to cast doubt concerning an external reality. Modernists generally posit our inner states of affairs (e.g., thoughts, perception, etc.) as the only indubitable objects of experience.
Here's the problem: How can "sense impressions" be experienced, if to be 'experienced' means it's be 'seen', 'touched', 'tasted', or 'heard' of?
(1) If we experience them [impressions] by means of the senses, and since an external reality was doubted because it was an object of the senses, then sense impressions must too be doubted on similar grounds. This leads to complete skepticism, which suffers the regress of skeptical attitudes.
(2) If, on the other hand, these 'impressions' are not experienced at all, then no knowledge can be had of such impressions, leading to skepticism again. Similarly, if we experience them through our minds and not through our senses, and if minds consist of the same inner states affairs, then circular reasoning ensues.
(3) We can try and posit another impression to account for the previous impression i.e., having a sense impression of the sense impression. But we will face the same problems encountered in (1) and (2), and have to posit another impression ad infinitum. An infinite series of sense impressions implies that there is no endpoint to the layers of impressions, such that there is no final impression and thus no experience of anything at all.
Conclusion: We DO experience or are aware of something. Our inner states of affairs cannot be objects of those experiences. Therefore, we must be experiencing an outer state of affair or an external reality.
What else can I help you with?
What is the sense datum theory and how does it explain our perception of the external world?
The sense datum theory suggests that our perception of the external world is based on mental representations called sense data, which are direct experiences of qualities like color and shape. According to this theory, we do not directly perceive external objects, but rather our mind constructs a representation of them based on these sense data.
What is the relationship between our perception of the world and the external reality that exists beyond our subjective experiences?
Our perception of the world is influenced by our subjective experiences, beliefs, and biases. This can shape how we interpret and understand the external reality that exists beyond our individual perspectives. Our perception may not always align perfectly with the objective reality, as our personal experiences can color how we see and interpret the world around us.
What is the sense data theory and how does it explain our perception of the world around us?
The sense data theory suggests that our perception of the world is based on the direct experience of sensory information, or sense data, rather than on external objects themselves. This theory explains that our perception is constructed from the raw data received by our senses, which our minds then interpret and organize to create our understanding of the world.
What does an empiricist think about the external world?
An empiricist believes that knowledge is derived from sensory experience and observation of the external world. They emphasize the importance of evidence and empirical data to understand the world around us.
What is the relationship between res extensa and physical objects in the external world?
Res extensa refers to the concept of extended substance in the external world, as proposed by philosopher Ren Descartes. In this view, physical objects in the external world are considered to be composed of res extensa, which is the material substance that occupies space and has physical properties. In other words, res extensa is the underlying substance that makes up physical objects in the external world.
What is the sense datum theory and how does it explain our perception of the external world?
The sense datum theory suggests that our perception of the external world is based on mental representations called sense data, which are direct experiences of qualities like color and shape. According to this theory, we do not directly perceive external objects, but rather our mind constructs a representation of them based on these sense data.
What is meant by expressionism?
Expressionism is the term used to describe how an artist, author or writer seeks to express their emotional experiences. This is in direct contrast to impressions of the external world.
What is the relationship between our perception of the world and the external reality that exists beyond our subjective experiences?
Our perception of the world is influenced by our subjective experiences, beliefs, and biases. This can shape how we interpret and understand the external reality that exists beyond our individual perspectives. Our perception may not always align perfectly with the objective reality, as our personal experiences can color how we see and interpret the world around us.
What is sense evidence?
In the book Philosophical theories By Morris Lazerowitz, Alice Ambrose.Chapter 58. External World. 'Now the only thing, in principle, for the existenceof physical things is sense evidence.
What are the release dates for The Real World - 1992 First Impressions 26-1?
The Real World - 1992 First Impressions 26-1 was released on: USA: 28 September 2011
What is the meaning of the voices of the air by Katherine Mansfield?
"The Voices of the Air" by Katherine Mansfield explores themes of nature, beauty, and the passage of time. The poem suggests that nature's sounds and sights can evoke a sense of wonder and transcendence in the observer, offering a glimpse into a deeper, more meaningful existence beyond the mundane. Overall, the poem conveys a sense of connection between the external world and the internal emotional landscape of the speaker.
When was To the World Beyond created?
To the World Beyond was created in 2004.
What is the sense data theory and how does it explain our perception of the world around us?
The sense data theory suggests that our perception of the world is based on the direct experience of sensory information, or sense data, rather than on external objects themselves. This theory explains that our perception is constructed from the raw data received by our senses, which our minds then interpret and organize to create our understanding of the world.
What is the duration of The World Beyond?
The duration of The World Beyond is 2940.0 seconds.
What is example commonsilism?
An example of common-sense realism, or commonsensism, is the belief that the external world exists independently of our perception of it and that our senses provide us with an accurate representation of reality. This perspective emphasizes the importance of relying on everyday experience and common sense to understand the world around us.
Where can you buy World War 2 uniforms?
at the front ,ww2 impressions ,what price glory
Were Davis's impressions of the German army borne out by events in the first year of the war?
Yes, Davis's impressions of the German army were borne out by events in the first year of the war during World War I. More specifically, his impressions were formed at the beginning of the war when the Germans invaded Belgium.
