Externalism in Philosophy

What is externalism in philosophy?

Answer explanation

Externalism in philosophy is the view that factors outside of an individual's mind can determine the content or meaning of their thoughts.

What is semantic externalism?

Answer explanation

Semantic externalism is the view that the meanings of our words and thoughts are determined by factors external to the individual, such as the environment or social context.

Explain externalism about mental content with an example scenario.

Answer explanation

Externalism about mental content is the view that the content of one's thoughts is determined by factors external to the individual. For example, in the scenario of Twin Earth, where two individuals have identical mental states but different external environments, the content of their thoughts about 'water' would differ due to the different external factors influencing their mental content.

Provide a scenario illustrating historical externalism.

Answer explanation

In the scenario of Putnam's Twin Earth, where two individuals have the same mental states but differ in external environment, historical externalism is illustrated.

What is reliabilism in the context of externalism?

Answer explanation

Reliabilism in the context of externalism is a theory of knowledge that focuses on the reliability of the cognitive processes that lead to beliefs, rather than the content of those beliefs.

What does motivational externalism suggest about moral judgments?

Answer explanation

Motivational externalism suggests that moral judgments are influenced by external factors such as emotions, culture, or society.

Explain the concept of semantic externalism.

Answer explanation

Semantic externalism is the view that the meanings of our words are determined by factors external to the individual's mind, such as the environment or social context.

What is the Extended Cognition theory?

Answer explanation

The Extended Cognition theory posits that cognitive processes can extend beyond the brain to include external objects or systems that play a significant role in cognitive tasks.

What is the problem of mental causation in externalism?

Answer explanation

The problem of mental causation in externalism arises from the challenge of how mental states can causally interact with the external world if mental content is determined by factors outside the individual's mind.

What is the Twin Earth Argument by Hilary Putnam?

Answer explanation

The Twin Earth Argument by Hilary Putnam is a philosophical thought experiment that explores the concept of meaning and reference by imagining a duplicate Earth with different substances having the same names.