Single Idea 6071

[catalogued under 13. Knowledge Criteria / D. Scepticism / 1. Scepticism]

Full Idea

Scepticism about the external world is possible because you can never build existence into the appearances, so it must always be inferred or assumed.

Gist of Idea

Scepticism about reality is possible because existence isn't part of appearances

Source

Colin McGinn (Logical Properties [2000], Ch.2)

Book Reference

McGinn,Colin: 'Logical Properties' [OUP 2003], p.45


A Reaction

When McGinn's claim that existence is a very universal property begins to produce interesting observations like this, I think we should take it very seriously.