Solipsism
Epistemological position that only one's own mind is certain to exist. Solipsism extends Cartesian doubt: I know I exist (cogito), but how can I prove anything else does? External world and other minds might be illusions or simulations. Methodological solipsism brackets external reality for philosophical investigation. Metaphysical solipsism claims only the self truly exists. While logically irrefutable, solipsism is generally rejected as implausible and impractical. The problem reveals limits of certainty and challenges to overcome skepticism. Solipsism highlights the privacy of consciousness and the problem of other minds.
Your Reaction
Similar Philosophical Concept
Simulation Hypothesis
Modern philosophical hypothesis that reality might be a computer simulation. Nick Bostrom's argument: if civilizations …
Idealism
Metaphysical view that reality is fundamentally mental or experiential. Berkeley's subjective idealism: to be is …
Empiricism
Epistemological view that knowledge comes from sensory experience. Empiricists like Locke, Berkeley, and Hume reject …
Panpsychism
View that consciousness or mind-like qualities are fundamental and ubiquitous in nature. All matter has …
Consciousness
The subjective quality of experience—what it's like to be something. Phenomenal consciousness is qualitative experience …
Dualism
Metaphysical view that mind and body are distinct substances. Cartesian substance dualism: mind (res cogitans) …
Existentialism
Philosophical movement emphasizing individual existence, freedom, and choice. Existentialism asserts that existence precedes essence—humans create …
Materialism
Metaphysical view that only physical matter exists; mental states reduce to brain states. Eliminative materialism …
Explore Related Domains
Discover connections across different types of entities
The Myth of Sisyphus
Camus's philosophical essay begins with the declaration that the only serious philosophical problem is suicide. …
The Wisdom of Insecurity
Watts's philosophical work explores how the search for security creates anxiety and how embracing uncertainty …
The Emperor's New Mind
Penrose's ambitious work argues against strong AI, proposing that consciousness involves quantum processes that cannot …
Critique of Pure Reason
Kant's foundational work establishes limits of human knowledge and synthetic a priori judgments. Through transcendental …
The Phenomenology of Spirit
Hegel's foundational work traces the development of consciousness from sense-certainty to absolute knowledge. Through dialectical …
Arthur Schopenhauer
German philosopher who developed a metaphysical system centered on the concept of Will. Schopenhauer's pessimistic …
Blindsight
Watts's hard science fiction novel follows a crew encountering alien intelligence that may be conscious …
Descartes' foundational statement of existence through thought
Descartes' foundational statement of existence through thought