Why Solipsism Matters

By Sami Pihlström

Book Overview

Solipsism is a philosophical idea that has been regarded as highly implausible, or even crazy. The view that the world is "my world" and that nothing exists independently of my mind and/or experience is frowned upon as a genuine philosophical position. For this reason, solipsism can be regarded as a philosophical theory that does not "matter" and plays no significant role in any serious attempts to understand ourselves and the world. By assuming the opposite position. Why Solipsism Matters demonstrates that philosophy, even when dealing with "crazy" ideas, can have an unexpected impact. Solipsism makes us rethink fundamental assumptions about subjectivity, objectivity, realism vs. idealism, relativism, and our opinions on key issues such as ethical responsibility and death. Pihlström's book is not only an historical review of solipsism's origins and development. It also explores the key philosophers associated with the position (Kant and Wittgenstein to name but a few), and develops an entirely new explanation of the idea. As such, this account is one which takes seriously our global, socially-networked world, where the very real ramifications of solipsism - including narcissism - can be felt. Book jacket.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 135012639X
• ISBN13: 9781350126398
• Release Date: May 2020
• Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.5" x 8.5"