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Full Idea
Arguments for the absolute unknowability or non-existence of an external object only works by assuming that another external object, an individual, is known completely in so far as that individual expresses a judgement about an external object.
Gist of Idea
Arguments that objects are unknowable or non-existent assume the knower's existence
Source
Stephen S. Colvin (The Common-Sense View of Reality [1902], p.145)
Book Ref
-: 'Philosophical Review' [-], p.145
A Reaction
Anti-realism is a decay that eats into everything. You can't doubt all the externals without doubting all the internals as well.
20726 | We can only distinguish self from non-self if there is an inflexible external reality [Colvin] |
20727 | Common-sense realism rests on our interests and practical life [Colvin] |
20728 | Metaphysics is hopeless with its present epistemology; common-sense realism is needed [Colvin] |
20730 | If objects are doubted because their appearances change, that presupposes one object [Colvin] |
20729 | Arguments that objects are unknowable or non-existent assume the knower's existence [Colvin] |
20731 | The idea that everything is relations is contradictory; relations are part of the concept of things [Colvin] |