Single Idea 23503

[catalogued under 11. Knowledge Aims / C. Knowing Reality / 4. Solipsism]

Full Idea

Solipsism, when its implications are followed out strictly, coincides with pure realism. The self of solipsism shrinks to a point without extension, and there remains the reality co-ordinated with it.

Gist of Idea

Strict solipsism is pure realism, with the self as a mere point in surrounding reality

Source

Ludwig Wittgenstein (Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus [1921], 5.64)

Book Reference

Wittgenstein,Ludwig: 'Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus (Pears)', ed/tr. Pears,D. /McGuinness,B. [RKP 1961], p.58


A Reaction

Despite this, Michael Morris is more inclined to see him as an idealist. It is not clear whether the present account of solipsism is idealist or realist. Berkeley seemed to think his idealism was true realism. Can reality be co-ordinated with a point?