Externalism

Definition

Externalism is a philosophical view that the justification or content of a person's mental states, such as their beliefs, are determined by factors external to the person's own mind. This contrasts with internalism, which holds that justification or content is determined solely by internal mental factors.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Externalism challenges the traditional internalist view that justification or content is determined solely by internal mental factors.
2. Externalists argue that the social and physical environment play a crucial role in shaping the content and justification of a person's beliefs.
3. Content externalism holds that the meaning or reference of a person's mental states, such as their beliefs, is determined by factors outside the person's mind.
4. Externalists emphasize the importance of considering the broader context in which a person's beliefs are formed and justified.
5. Externalism has significant implications for theories of knowledge, as it suggests that the justification of a belief may depend on factors beyond the individual's control or awareness.

Review Questions

• Explain the key difference between externalism and internalism in the context of epistemic justification.
  • The key difference between externalism and internalism in the context of epistemic justification is that externalism holds that the justification of a person's beliefs is determined by factors external to the person's own mind, such as the physical or social environment, while internalism maintains that justification is determined solely by internal mental factors, such as the person's experiences, thoughts, and reasoning. Externalists argue that the broader context in which a belief is formed and held plays a crucial role in its justification, whereas internalists focus on the individual's own mental processes as the sole determinants of justification.
• Analyze how content externalism challenges the traditional view of the mind and its relationship to the external world.
  • Content externalism challenges the traditional internalist view of the mind by arguing that the content of a person's mental states, such as their beliefs, is not determined solely by internal mental factors, but is also shaped by factors external to the person's own mind. This suggests that the mind is not a self-contained entity, but is instead deeply embedded in and shaped by the physical and social environment. Content externalism emphasizes the importance of considering the broader context in which a person's mental states are formed and held, rather than focusing solely on the individual's internal mental processes. This has significant implications for theories of knowledge, as it suggests that the justification and content of a person's beliefs may depend on factors beyond their direct control or awareness.
• Evaluate the implications of externalism for our understanding of the relationship between the individual and the broader social and physical environment.
  • Externalism has significant implications for our understanding of the relationship between the individual and the broader social and physical environment. By arguing that the justification and content of a person's mental states are determined in part by external factors, externalism challenges the traditional view of the individual as an autonomous, self-contained entity. Instead, it suggests that the individual is deeply embedded in and shaped by the external world, with the social and physical environment playing a crucial role in the formation and justification of their beliefs and other mental states. This has important implications for theories of knowledge, as it suggests that the individual's epistemic status is not solely a matter of their own internal mental processes, but is also shaped by factors beyond their control or awareness. Additionally, externalism raises questions about the extent to which individuals can be held responsible for their beliefs and actions, as these may be influenced by external factors that the individual did not choose or fully understand.

Related terms

Internalism:

The view that the justification or content of a person's mental states is determined solely by factors internal to the person's own mind, such as their experiences, thoughts, and reasoning.

Epistemic Justification: The process of providing good reasons or evidence to support the truth or rationality of a belief.

Content Externalism: The view that the content of a person's mental states, such as their beliefs, is determined by factors external to the person's own mind, such as the physical or social environment.