Single Idea 3538

[catalogued under 15. Nature of Minds / A. Nature of Mind / 4. Other Minds / d. Other minds by analogy]

Full Idea

The argument from analogy makes it impossible to check my inductive inferences because of the privacy of other minds; it also seems irresponsible to generalise from a single case; and it seems like a case of human chauvinism.

Clarification

'Human chauvinism' is prejudice in favour of the human view of things

Gist of Idea

Analogy to other minds is uncheckable, over-confident and chauvinistic

Source

Keith T. Maslin (Introduction to the Philosophy of Mind [2001], 8.2)

Book Reference

Maslin,Keith: 'An Introduction to the Philosophy of Mind' [Polity 2001], p.215


A Reaction

Privacy of other minds need not imply scepticism about them. I'm a believer, so I have no trouble checking my theories. Solipsists can't 'check' anything. It isn't 'irresponsible' to generalise from one case if that is all you have.