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. the perception of an external object, an orange, say, takes place when something external stimulates our nerve-endings by contact with different sensory organs, these then pass the stimuli on to the brain where a perception of the orange including its various visual, olfactory, tactile, and perhaps auditory aspects are put together.This perception is part of the virtual model of the world in which we live our lives
— May 09, 2021 08:38PM
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“The statement that there is a red apple in front of me is true if the virtual world I am located in contains a simulated red apple in a suitable simulated spatial relation relative to the simulated me [to the irrealist].”
— May 11, 2021 08:36PM
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“Practically all epistemological theories taken seriously by philosophers involve reference to the external world at a crucial place. This is not an accident. It seems that to explain how we can have any knowledge of the things we think we know, we need to postulate the existence of external objects.”
— May 09, 2021 08:06AM
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Philosophical debates about the external world usually arise in the context of epistemology. Such debates concern the question to which extent our beliefs about the external world are justified or by what routes we could achieve knowledge of the external world. . . . . I am concerned with the ontological problem of the external world, i.e. with the question of whether there is such a thing in the first place.
— May 08, 2021 12:27PM
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May 09, 2021 09:37PM
Jan Westerhoff's Buddhist philosophy/history books, from what I remember, are highly detailed, precise, and most importantly, they were accurate. I will add this to my ever-growing to-read list of books.
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I highly recommend this Chant. This book is classic Westerhoff. His writing is clear and he covers all of the angles. Although much of the material is new to me and requires a great deal of thought, Westerhoff never leaves me hanging. It’s a joy to read.
What is this book about, ἀρχαῖος (arkhaîos) In Lockdown ?
A good question Guarav. Basically, Westerhoff is setting out to demonstrate that the ’real world’ does not actually exist. In order to do so he discusses various theories of human cognition and concepts of the existence of objects and disproves them. I have, of course, only scratched the surface of the book so far so am in no position to judge much of what he puts forward. Westerhoff is a well thought of scholar generally known for his work in Indian Buddhist philosophy, particularly Madhyamaka thought. I have enjoyed his writings in that area.
As with all philosophical arguments put forward in all cultures over the last few thousand years, one must keep in mind that no one has ever come to an undisputed theory of anything. But a well-turned argument is, I believe, of the highest form of human endeavour.
Thanks for your reply. It seems to take on human existence from a phenomenological point of view, though the book sounds intriguing. Would be eagerly awaiting to read your thoughts on it :)
Actually, Westerhoff would resoundingly reject the “phenomenological” label. He really is trying to deny all existents - including the possibility of human existence. Quite fun to read.
