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?