Externalism

Definition

Externalism is the philosophical view that factors outside of an individual's internal mental states play a crucial role in shaping their beliefs, knowledge, and moral judgments. This perspective emphasizes the importance of the external environment, social context, and interactions with the world, challenging the idea that knowledge and justification can be fully understood through internalist approaches that focus solely on individual mental processes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In metaethics, externalism argues that moral truths may depend on factors outside an individual's subjective experiences or beliefs, suggesting that moral realism supports objective moral truths.
2. Externalism in epistemology contends that the justification of beliefs can rely on external factors, such as social interactions or historical context, rather than solely on internal reasoning.
3. This perspective raises questions about skepticism, as it implies that individuals may have access to knowledge through their engagement with the world, challenging traditional internalist views.
4. In theories of truth, externalism emphasizes that truth can be shaped by external realities and social practices rather than just individual belief systems.
5. Philosophers like Hilary Putnam and Tyler Burge have contributed significantly to externalist thought, arguing that meaning and reference are inherently linked to the external world.

Review Questions

• How does externalism challenge traditional views in epistemology regarding knowledge and justification?
  • Externalism challenges traditional epistemological views by asserting that knowledge and justification are not solely dependent on internal mental states. Instead, it emphasizes the role of external factors such as environmental context and social interactions. This perspective suggests that individuals can acquire knowledge through reliable processes influenced by their surroundings, thus redefining what it means to justify a belief.
• In what ways does externalism relate to moral realism and metaethics, especially concerning objective moral truths?
  • Externalism relates to moral realism by proposing that objective moral truths exist independently of individual beliefs or experiences. It suggests that moral facts can be influenced by social contexts and shared practices within communities. This contrasts with internalist perspectives in metaethics, which focus on subjective understanding of morality. By advocating for an external basis for moral truths, externalism supports the idea that ethical standards can be universally recognized and upheld.
• Evaluate how externalism provides a response to skepticism in knowledge acquisition and its implications for understanding truth.
  • Externalism offers a robust response to skepticism by suggesting that individuals can attain knowledge through their interactions with an objective world. Unlike internalist approaches, which may lead to an infinite regress of justification due to reliance on introspection alone, externalism posits that knowledge can stem from reliable cognitive processes influenced by external conditions. This perspective broadens the understanding of truth, indicating that it is not merely a matter of personal belief but can be verified through engagement with real-world experiences and social contexts.

Related terms

Internalism: The theory that justification for beliefs and knowledge must come from within an individual's mental states, emphasizing introspection and subjective experience.

Contextualism: The view that the truth or justification of knowledge claims is dependent on the context in which they are made, including external factors influencing understanding.

Reliabilism: A form of externalism in epistemology which asserts that a belief is justified if it is produced by a reliable cognitive process or mechanism, often relying on external conditions.