
Does the real world, defined as a world of objects that exist independent of human interests, concerns, and cognitive activities, really exist? This book argues that we have good reason to believe it does not. The discussion considers four main facets of the idea of the real world, ranging from the existence of a separate external and internal world (comprising various mental states congregated around a self), to the existence of an ontological foundation that grounds the existence of all the entities in the world, and the existence of an ultimately true theory that provides a final account of all there is. As we discuss the reasons for rejecting the postulation of an external world behind our representations, the book argues that the internal world is not as epistemically transparent as is usually assumed, and that there are good reasons for adopting an anti-foundational account of ontological dependence. Drawing on conclusions from the ancient Indian philosophical system of Madhyamaka Buddhism, "The Non-Existence of the Real World" defends its stance in a purely Western philosophical framework, and affirms that ontology, and philosophy more generally, need not be conceived as providing an ultimately true theory of the world.
Reviews:
Book symposium on The Non-Existence of the Real World, Introduction and Response, Analysis Reviews 82:1, 2022, 99-158. [pdf]
William S. Waldron in The Eastern Buddhist 3:1, 2023, 101-111. [link]
Sean Smith in Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews, 8th May 2022 [link]
Ricki Bliss in Philosophy East and West 71:3, 2021, 1-7 [link]
Dominic Prianti in Choice 58:12, August 2021
David Voron in Los Angeles Review of Books, 10th February 2021 [link]
Joie Szu-Chiao Chen in Lion’s Roar, 11th September 2020 [link]
A course of lectures discussing some of the material covered in the book is here.
Reviews:
Book symposium on The Non-Existence of the Real World, Introduction and Response, Analysis Reviews 82:1, 2022, 99-158. [pdf]
William S. Waldron in The Eastern Buddhist 3:1, 2023, 101-111. [link]
Sean Smith in Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews, 8th May 2022 [link]
Ricki Bliss in Philosophy East and West 71:3, 2021, 1-7 [link]
Dominic Prianti in Choice 58:12, August 2021
David Voron in Los Angeles Review of Books, 10th February 2021 [link]
Joie Szu-Chiao Chen in Lion’s Roar, 11th September 2020 [link]
A course of lectures discussing some of the material covered in the book is here.