The Problem Of The External World

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Philosophical Comparison : Descartes and Moore on the External World

Introduction

In comparing the philosophical ideas of Descartes and Moore , one is able to understand the varying ideas surrounding the concept of the external world . Both philosophers put forth ideas about what it means to be in a state of being awake versus a state of dreaming as well as what it means to have a mind versus a body . Descartes makes the case that there is no certainty in his absolute separation from the external

world as an absolute individual , drawing attention to the idea that his dreams are a way of exploring the existing mind of the holistic universe . On the other hand , Moore is skeptical of the notion of rejecting the existence of the individual and the external world , drawing attention to the reality of his own body and senses . In drawing contrast between these dimensions of life , or rather , supposed life , Descartes and Moore are able to establish convincing arguments both against and for the idea of the existence of the external world

Awake versus Dreaming

The idea of being awake versus the idea of being dreaming are central to the works of both philosophers , in that these concepts call attention to various meanings connected to the state of wakefulness and dreaming as they relate to reality . Descartes puts forth the idea of God as a trustful guide and fountain of truth ' from which all reality springs although he stresses that it is...