Single Idea 3109

[catalogued under 18. Thought / C. Content / 6. Broad Content]

Full Idea

If we accept Putnam's externalist conclusion about the meaning of a word, it is a short step to a similar conclusion about the contents of the twins' beliefs, desires and so on.

Gist of Idea

If content is external, so are beliefs and desires

Source

Gabriel M.A. Segal (A Slim Book about Narrow Content [2000], 2.1)

Book Reference

Segal,Gabriel M.A.: 'A Slim Book about Narrow Content' [MIT 2000], p.24


A Reaction

This is the key step which has launched a whole new externalist view of the nature of the mind. It is one thing to say that I don't quite know what my words mean, another that I don't know my own beliefs.