The problem of the past and the problem of other minds

The Problem of the Past

How can we know that the past exists?

Define the problem of the past (1)

Define rationalism and explain its relationship to the problem of the past. (2)

Define empiricism and explain its relationship to the problem of the past. (3)

Define proposition. (4)

Explain the next steps of Belief Conservation. (5, 6 & 7)

Apply Belief Conservation: State your proposition. (8)

Apply the principle of Belief Conservation. (8 -13)

Define basic belief. (14)

Quick conclusion. (15)

The Problem of Other Minds

The Problem of Other Minds“Those look like my students, but how do I know they have minds,” thought Mrs. Robin.

Notice Mrs. Robin has a mind.

The Problem of Other Minds

“My innate knowledge doesn’t tell me they have minds. There is no sensory experience that tells me they have minds. And there’s no self-evident proposition according to which they must have minds.

But I do believe they have minds. I have a number of beliefs I would have to doubt if they had no minds.”

The Problem of Other Minds“I will apply the Principle of Belief Conservation.

My Proposition P will be that they have no minds.”

The Problem of Other Minds“First I will ask myself if I have other beliefs that I would have to doubt if they did not have minds.

I think I do. What are they?”

The Problem of Other Minds

“If they had no minds, I would doubt that they had feelings.

If they had no minds, I would doubt they can make choices on their own.

If they had no minds, they wouldn’t laugh at my jokes.

The Problem of Other Minds“Now I will ask myself, ‘Do I have any good reason to doubt those things I just listed as beliefs?’ No, I can’t really think of any good reason to doubt that my students laugh at my jokes, have feelings or make choices.”

The Problem of Other Minds

“But do I have some really good reason to think they don’t have minds? “

The Problem of Other Minds

“Has there been a zombie attack in Bangkok lately?

Were all students born in the mid-90s born without minds?

Did the science department do a weird mind-deleting experiment?

I have no good reason to think these things.”

The Problem of Other Minds

“So, it seems most rational to believe that my students do have minds.

What happens next?”

The Problem of Other Minds

“Hooray! We are so happy! Now we can laugh at Mrs. Robin’s jokes and enjoy Philosophy class!”

DO NOW: Practicing your terms

Try to write in the answers as best you can without consulting your notes.

In 4 minutes, I will show you word choices.

DO NOW: Practicing your terms

•Aesthetics•Belief•Epistemology•Ethics•Metaphysics•Objective•Philosophy

•Philosophy of Language•Proposition•Relativism•Skepticism•Subjective