Moore’s Proposed Proof for an External World :: Philosophy Literature Essays

Moore’s Proposed Proof for an External World In his â€Å"Proof of an External World†, Moore puts forth several supported hypotheses in regards to the nature of the existence of things outside the self. Primarily, Moore discusses hands; his argument is that if he can produce two hands then it follows logically that two hands must exist. Furthermore, Moore puts forth the theory that if hands exist then this alone is proof of an external world. In opposition to Moore’s opinions will be found three main arguments: firstly that all of Moore’s evidence is based upon sensory input, secondly that the truth of one fact based on the truth of another fact forms an Epistemic Circle in this case, and finally that the evidence out forth by Moore, even if proved, does not necessarily prove the fact that he is attempting to prove. Moore’s â€Å"Proof of an External World† is based on the fact that he has two hands. Moore’s argument for the existence of these hands is as follows: I can prove now, for instance, that two human hands exist. How? By holding up my two hands, and saying, as I make a certain gesture with the right hand, >Here is one hand=, and adding, as I make a certain gesture with the left, >and here is another=. And if, by doing this, I have proved ipso facto the existence of external things, you will all see that I can also do it now in numbers of other ways: there is no need to multiply examples.1 Moore’s evidence for the existence of hands is based entirely upon data received from the senses, yet in no way at any time does Moore even put forth any proof in support of the assumption that his senses are indeed functioning correctly and are not in fact deceiving him. Take for example the argument put forth by Descartes that reads as follows: I will suppose therefore that not God, who is supremely good and the source of truth, but rather some malicious demon of the utmost power and cunning has employed all his energies in order to deceive me. I shall think that the sky, the air, the earth, colours, shapes, sounds and all external things are merely the delusions of dreams which he has devised to ensnare my judgment.