• Philosophy -> Metaphysics and Ontology

• 0 Comment

What is the origin of metaphysical solipsism and who first introduced this concept into metaphysical and ontological discourse?

Georgiana Klas

Metaphysical solipsism is a philosophical concept that has perplexed and fascinated thinkers for centuries. The concept posits that the self is the only thing that can be known with certainty, and everything else - including other human beings and the external world - is either a construct of the mind or simply doesn't exist.

The origin of metaphysical solipsism can be traced back to classical philosophy, most notably to the work of René Descartes. In his seminal work, Meditations on First Philosophy, Descartes famously proclaimed, "I think, therefore I am." This statement is often interpreted as the foundation of solipsism, as it implies that the self is the only thing that can be known with certainty.

However, it wasn't until the 20th century that metaphysical solipsism emerged as a distinct philosophical concept. One of the first philosophers to explicitly articulate this idea was the British thinker, G.E. Moore. In his essay, "A Defence of Common Sense," Moore argued that the existence of the external world was a fundamental fact, and that any attempt to deny it was illogical and absurd. However, he also acknowledged that solipsism was a logically coherent position, albeit one that was impossible to refute.

As the 20th century progressed, other philosophers began to explore the implications of metaphysical solipsism in greater detail. One of the most notable was the American philosopher, Bertrand Russell. In his essay, "The Limits of Empiricism," Russell argued that solipsism was a fundamentally flawed position, as it failed to account for the existence of other minds. According to Russell, it was only through the recognition of other minds that the existence of an external world could be established.

Despite the criticisms of Russell and others, metaphysical solipsism has persisted as a philosophical position to this day. Some contemporary proponents of the idea include the Australian philosopher, David Chalmers, and the American philosopher, Brian O'Shaughnessy. However, it remains a highly controversial and contentious position, with many philosophers rejecting it on both logical and moral grounds.

In conclusion, the origin of metaphysical solipsism can be traced back to the classical philosophers, but it wasn't until the 20th century that it emerged as a distinct philosophical concept. While it has been the subject of significant debate and criticism, it remains a fascinating and compelling idea that continues to captivate thinkers to this day.