Existence of an External World

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the arguments of Rene Descartes and John Locke with regards to whether or not we can have knowledge of the existence of an external world. The paper shows that there are fundamental problems with both of their arguments and as such, the paper suggests that we are not yet in a position to demonstrate unequivocally that we can have knowledge of the existence of an external world.

From the Paper:

"I thus conclude that neither Descartes nor Locke offer me sufficient proof that I can have knowledge of an external world. Descartes' argument fails on the basis that his argument for the existence of God is circular, and thus we have no particular reason to trust our own reasons. And Locke's argument fails because Descartes' arguments effectively destroy the foundation of Locke's argument. But as I have now have shown that I have no sound reason to trust the evidence of my reason, nor any sound reason to trust the evidence of my senses, it follows that there is nothing left on which I may base any confidence that we can have knowledge of the existence of an external world."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bailey, Andrew. (Ed.) First Philosophy: Fundamental Problems and Readings in Philosophy. Ontario, Canada: Broadview Press, 2002.
• Hume, David. An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding. The Harvard Classics. Part I. Retrieved from http://www.bartleby.com/37/3/17.html.
• Wachowski, Andy and Larry Wachowski. (Directors). The Matrix. Warner Brothers, 1999.

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