Solipsism? (verse, philosophy)

Prima · #1 03-13-2005, 11:03 AM

Does anyone here believe in Solipsism?

Solipsism is the belief that (for me) I am the only thing that is real, that everything else is an illusion.

A lot of people think that solipsism is a very cold and uncaring belief, but I disagree.

For example: say that I believe in solipsism. Therefore, everything else (RF, this computer, my parents, you all, the world) was created by me. My ultimate goal is happiness (rather, I am naming my ultimate goal to be happiness, whatever happiness is) Well, if my ultimate goal is happiness, then it follows that everything I created was for my ultimate goal (happiness) So everything that happens to me, everything that is, is for my happiness. So bad things that happen, people that I really can't stand, my friends - it's all for my ultimate happiness. And since it's for my goal, I should treat it (them) well, because it helps me achieve my goal. Therefore, I should look for the happiness in bad things, in bad people, in everything.

I think that this idea helps people care for other people even more than the 'love your enemies' idea does.

Thoughts, comments, ideas?

Master Vigil · #2 03-13-2005, 12:07 PM

It is an interesting idea, however if everything else is an illusion, then there is a question of "is being nice to illusions going to make me happy?" And one may say no, and the philosophy falls apart. Another thing, it sounds kind of like skepticism, which I just have to say.. "How does one get out of bed in the morning? Are you sure the floor is going to be there?"

michel · #3 03-13-2005, 12:14 PM

Solipsism
Ah, another new 'label' for my collection - I had never heard of that one!

I've considered it ( I will consider anything - I find it stimulates the mind), but I have never actually met someone who believes in it.

How can you 'envisage' someone saying something that is a total unknown to you? (from the way you have described solipsism, the person who is saying the unknown is you, yourself; how does that 'fit in' with your belief?

No*s · #4 03-13-2005, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prima

Does anyone here believe in Solipsism?

Solipsism is the belief that (for me) I am the only thing that is real, that everything else is an illusion.

A lot of people think that solipsism is a very cold and uncaring belief, but I disagree.

For example: say that I believe in solipsism. Therefore, everything else (RF, this computer, my parents, you all, the world) was created by me. My ultimate goal is happiness (rather, I am naming my ultimate goal to be happiness, whatever happiness is) Well, if my ultimate goal is happiness, then it follows that everything I created was for my ultimate goal (happiness) So everything that happens to me, everything that is, is for my happiness. So bad things that happen, people that I really can't stand, my friends - it's all for my ultimate happiness. And since it's for my goal, I should treat it (them) well, because it helps me achieve my goal. Therefore, I should look for the happiness in bad things, in bad people, in everything.

I think that this idea helps people care for other people even more than the 'love your enemies' idea does.

Thoughts, comments, ideas?

At its core, I find it pretty arrogant. It makes "me" the center of the universe. In making a human being the center of the universe, it causes all other people to take a subsidiary role to that human. Ethics follows ontology

.

It has the other nasty attribute of being unlivable. Solipsism in its calssical form, asserts nothing outside the individual's mind exists. Now, if that individual were to decide he didn't need the illusory food he created...

Master Vigil · #5 03-13-2005, 12:25 PM

We actually agree on something No's. I also feel it is very arrogant. I believe humility is the source of happiness, and humility only comes when others are made more important than the self.

Majikthise · #6 03-13-2005, 12:28 PM

I would think that if every thing were an illusion and we could come to that realization,then we could change our perceptions at will. This way of looking at things has crossed my mind before but it's just too flimsy.And I agree with No*s,taking this on as a hard belief could lead a person to apathy towards oneself and others.

Seyorni · #7 03-13-2005, 12:33 PM

As an an Advaita Vedanti I am, by definition, a solipsist.

Ya wanna make something of it...?

No*s · #8 03-13-2005, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seyorni

As an an Advaita Vedanti I am, by definition, a solipsist.

Ya wanna make something of it...?

Then let's step outside!

So, you believe our existence is contengent on your own, or more so, everything around you is spawned from your perception?

No*s · #9 03-13-2005, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Master Vigil

We actually agree on something No's. I also feel it is very arrogant. I believe humility is the source of happiness, and humility only comes when others are made more important than the self.

Wow...we agree on something outside entertainment. That's why the ground's getting cold.

*bends over and feels again*