Final answer:
External world skepticism is a philosophical view that questions the possibility of knowledge about the external world. It is based on reasons such as the lack of empirical evidence, the unreliability of our senses, logical inconsistencies, and a lack of scientific consensus.
Step-by-step explanation:
Skepticism is a philosophical view that some or all knowledge is impossible. It questions the possibility of knowledge and justification in certain domains. External world skepticism is one form of skepticism that argues for the impossibility of knowledge about the external world. Some reasons that people have argued for external world skepticism include:
- The external world lacks empirical evidence: This means that there is a lack of direct evidence or proof for the existence of the external world that can be observed through our senses.
- Our senses are unreliable indicators of reality: Skeptics argue that our senses can be deceived or unreliable, leading to false perceptions and interpretations of the external world.
- Logical inconsistencies exist in the concept of an external world: Some skeptics claim that the concept of an external world is logically inconsistent or incoherent, making it impossible to have knowledge about it.
- There is a lack of scientific consensus about the external world: Skeptics may argue that the lack of scientific consensus or agreement about the nature of the external world undermines our ability to have knowledge about it.
Overall, external world skepticism questions the possibility of knowledge about the external world due to these reasons.