The Non-Existence of the Real World

Bibliographic Data

ID23769181
AuthorsJan Westerhoff (0000-0002-2722-8289, corresponding author)
Year2020
Publication date2020-04-22
Open AccessNo
TypeBOOK
VenueNon-Existence of the Real World (SOURCE_BOOK)
PublisherOxford University Press (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1093/oso/9780198847915.001.0001
OpenAlexW3036851969
ISBN9780198847915
LanguageEN
Citations received18

The book is concerned with the existence of the real world, that is, with the existence of a world of objects that exist independent of human interests, concerns, and cognitive activities. The main thesis defended is that we have good reason to deny the existence of such a world. The discussion is concerned with four main facets of assuming a real world: (a) the existence of an external world of physical objects in space and time; (b) the existence of an internal world, comprising various mental states congregated around a self; (c) the existence of an ontological foundation that grounds the existence of all the entities in the world; and (d) the existence of an ultimately true theory that provides a final account of all there is. I argue specifically that: (a) we should reject the postulation of an external world behind our representations; (b) the internal world is not as epistemically transparent as is usually assumed, and there is no substantial self acting as central unifier of our mental lives; (c) there are good reasons for adopting an anti-foundational account of ontological dependence; and (d) ontology, and philosophy more generally, must not be conceived of as providing an ultimately true theory of the world.

Epistemology · Ontology · Space (punctuation) · Philosophy · Philosophy and Theoretical Science · Philosophy, Science, and History

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