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How does metaphysical solipsism differ from other philosophical positions like idealism or realism?

Leonor Wellsman

Metaphysical solipsism is a unique philosophical position that differs from both idealism and realism in significant ways. While all three positions deal with the nature of reality and the way it is perceived, they approach the question and propose wildly different answers.

To begin with, idealism holds that only ideas and mental constructs exist, and that the physical world we see is a mere illusion. In contrast, metaphysical solipsism takes the position that only our own minds and perceptions exist, and that everything outside of our personal experience is unknowable. This means that the physical world, despite being perceived by our senses, is ultimately a construct of our minds.

Realism, on the other hand, holds that a world exists independently of the mind, and that our perceptions of it are accurate representations of that world. This view differs from both idealism and metaphysical solipsism insofar as it posits that there is a concrete reality outside of our perception that we are able to interact with.

While all three positions deal with the relationship between the mind and reality, they ultimately propose very different answers to this fundamental question. Idealism is deeply skeptical of our perceptions of the physical world, seeing them as mere illusions. Metaphysical solipsism, however, is even more radical, suggesting that the physical world does not exist at all outside of our minds. Realism, meanwhile, falls somewhere in between, asserting that the physical world exists but that our perceptions of it might not always be entirely accurate.

In conclusion, while metaphysical solipsism shares some common ground with idealism and realism, it ultimately represents a unique perspective that challenges both views. Rather than viewing the physical world as a mere illusion or a concrete reality, metaphysical solipsism posits that our minds are the only thing that exists and that everything else is a product of those minds. Whether or not this view holds any merit is open to debate, but there is no denying that it represents a fascinating and thought-provoking perspective on the nature of reality.