What is Solipsism?

Solipsism is the philosophical idea that only one's own mind is sure to exist. It is a radical form of skepticism, and it has been criticized on a number of grounds. However, it remains a fascinating philosophical idea, and it has been explored by philosophers throughout history.

In this video, we will explore the philosophy of solipsism. We will discuss the arguments for and against solipsism, and we will consider its implications for our everyday lives. We will also discuss how solipsism has been explored in popular culture, such as in the film The Matrix.

This video is intended for a general audience, and no prior knowledge of philosophy is required. If you are interested in learning more about the philosophy of solipsism, then this video is for you.

[mikefaff-livingintheillusi]

Hi, Philosophy in Review,
Thank you for this video.
Your statement at 3:32: When we perceive the world around us, we are only directly aware of our own sense data.
Allow me to offer a different perspective: Our awareness is not of the sensory data itself but rather of our individual interpretations of this information.
The process, as I imagine it, is this:
1. The senses are just instruments and absorb outside information. They don’t select the information, analyze, or interpret the information.
2. The information is converted by the senses into electromagnetic and chemical signals. The signals are chaotic and meaningless as received by the mind and need to be decoded and interpreted.
3. The subconscious mind, from its vast data banks, uses our life experiences and belief systems to filter and compare the data and find relatively meaningful data for us. If we have no reference to the data, it is disregarded and not used - thrown out.
4. From the meaningful data, interpretations are made as to our best guess as to what is outside of us. That best guess is the world we live in.
We never know what is outside of us. We do not perceive the world around us because of sensory data but by our interpretation of selected aspects of the sensory data. From that understanding, the outside energy system is an enigma to us. But we are absolutely sure because of our egoic belief system that our senses are telling us what's there.
The senses cannot and do not tell you anything about what is outside of you. So, I guess that is Solipsism.
Yet, I am not alone. My awareness of myself is an extension of the awareness of Consciousness. In my model, Consciousness is fundamental, and everything is embedded in Consciousness. Therefore, you, my friend, are an extension of my consciousness, and I am an extension of yours. We are one and isn't that nice to know?
Peace.
Mike