Philosophy -> Epistemology and Theory of Knowledge
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The role of the external world in externalism is fundamental. Externalism, in philosophy of mind, posits that the mind is not limited to the individual's brain but also extends to the external world. This means that cognitive processes rely not only on the individual's internal processes but also on the environment. In other words, the external world plays a crucial role in shaping one's thoughts and mental states.
One of the main arguments for externalism is the argument from the causal theory of reference. According to this theory, the meaning of a term is determined by its reference, which is the object or entity in the world that it picks out. However, reference cannot be wholly determined by an individual's internal mental states because reference is dependent on causal relations with the world. Therefore, externalism argues that the meaning of a term is not solely determined by the individual's mind but also by the external world.
Another important aspect of externalism is the idea of extended cognition. Proponents of extended cognition argue that cognitive processes can be distributed across the individual and the external world. For instance, a person might use a smartphone to solve a mathematical equation rather than relying solely on their internal mental processes. In this case, the external device plays a crucial role in the cognitive process, and the mind extends beyond the individual's brain.
Externalism also has implications for our understanding of perception. According to externalism, perception is not solely determined by the individual's internal mental states but also by the external world. This means that our perception of the world is shaped by the environment and the objects around us, rather than being solely dependent on our internal mental states.
In conclusion, the external world plays a crucial role in externalism. The theory posits that the mind extends beyond the brain and encompasses the external world. This means that cognitive processes are not solely determined by internal mental states but also by the environment. Furthermore, externalism has implications for our understanding of reference, perception, and cognition. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of externalism necessitates an appreciation for the role of the external world in shaping our mental states.
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