Internalism

Definition

Internalism is a philosophical view that holds that the justification for a person's belief is determined by factors that are internal to the person's own mental states, such as their experiences, reasons, and evidence. This is in contrast to externalist views, which posit that justification can also depend on factors external to the person's mind.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Internalism holds that the justification for a belief is determined solely by factors that are internal to the person's own mental states, such as their experiences, reasons, and evidence.
2. Internalists argue that justification must be accessible to the person holding the belief, as they are the only ones who can reflect on and evaluate their own mental states.
3. Internalism is often associated with foundationalist theories of justification, which posit that some beliefs are justified without relying on other beliefs.
4. Internalists may also endorse coherentist theories of justification, which hold that a belief is justified if it coheres with the person's other beliefs.
5. Internalism is contrasted with externalism, which holds that justification can depend on factors external to the person's own mental states, such as the reliability of the belief-forming process.

Review Questions

• Explain the key difference between internalism and externalism in the context of justification.
  • The key difference between internalism and externalism in the context of justification is that internalism holds that the justification for a belief is determined solely by factors that are internal to the person's own mental states, such as their experiences, reasons, and evidence. In contrast, externalism posits that justification can also depend on factors external to the person's mind, such as the reliability of the belief-forming process or the truth of the belief. Internalists argue that justification must be accessible to the person holding the belief, while externalists maintain that justification can be determined by factors beyond the person's own reflection on their mental states.
• Describe how internalism relates to foundationalist and coherentist theories of justification.
  • Internalism is often associated with foundationalist theories of justification, which hold that some beliefs are justified without relying on other beliefs and provide the basis for the justification of other beliefs. Internalists argue that these foundational beliefs must be grounded in the person's own mental states, such as their experiences or intuitions. Internalists may also endorse coherentist theories of justification, which hold that a belief is justified if it coheres with the person's other beliefs. In this view, the justification for a belief is determined by the internal coherence of the person's belief system, rather than by factors external to their own mental states.
• Analyze the implications of internalism for the nature of justification and the role of the individual in the justification process.
  • Internalism has significant implications for the nature of justification and the role of the individual in the justification process. By holding that justification is determined solely by factors internal to the person's own mental states, internalism places a strong emphasis on the individual's ability to reflect on and evaluate their own reasons, evidence, and experiences. This suggests that justification is a highly personal and subjective matter, as it is ultimately grounded in the individual's own mental states. Internalism also implies that justification must be accessible to the person holding the belief, as they are the only ones who can directly access and assess the relevant internal factors. This contrasts with externalist views, which allow for justification to be determined by factors beyond the individual's own mental states and introspection. The internalist perspective thus highlights the central role of the individual in the justification process and the importance of the person's own cognitive faculties in determining the justification for their beliefs.

Related terms

Externalism: The view that the justification for a person's belief can depend on factors external to the person's own mental states, such as the reliability of the belief-forming process or the truth of the belief.

Foundationalism: The view that some beliefs are justified without relying on other beliefs, and that these foundational beliefs provide the basis for the justification of other beliefs.

Coherentism: The view that a belief is justified if it coheres with the person's other beliefs, rather than requiring a foundation of basic beliefs.