Single Idea 6641

[catalogued under 15. Nature of Minds / A. Nature of Mind / 1. Mind / d. Location of mind]

Full Idea

Externalism maintains that our minds 'reach out' into our physical environment, at least in the sense that our states of mind can depend for their very existence and identity upon what things that environment contains.

Gist of Idea

Externalists say minds depend on environment for their very existence and identity

Source

E.J. Lowe (Introduction to the Philosophy of Mind [2000], Ch. 6)

Book Reference

Lowe,E.J.: 'Introduction to the Philosophy of Mind' [CUP 2000], p.148


A Reaction

A nice statement of the externalist view. Does this mean that a brain in a vat would not have a mind? Does a photograph 'reach out' to its subject-matter?