Does the real world, defined as a world of objects that exist
independent of human interests, concerns, and cognitive activities,
really exist? Jan Westerhoff argues that we have good reason to
believe it does not. His discussion considers four main facets of the
idea of the real world, ranging from the existence of a separate
external and internal world (comprising various mental states
congregated around a self), to the existence of an ontological
foundation that grounds the existence of all the entities in the
world, and the existence of an ultimately true theory that provides a
final account of all there is. As Westerhoff discusses the reasons for
rejecting the postulation of an external world behind our
representations, he asserts that the internal world is not as
epistemically transparent as is usually assumed, and that there are
good reasons for adopting an anti-foundational account of ontological
dependence. Drawing on conclusions from the ancient Indian
philosophical system of Madhyamaka Buddhism, Westerhoff defends his
stance in a purely Western philosophical framework, and affirms that
ontology, and philosophy more generally, need not be conceived as
providing an ultimately true theory of the world.
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Produktdetaljer
ISBN
9780192587183
Publisert
2020
Utgiver
Oxford University Press Academic UK
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Digital bok
Forfatter