The Sense of Existence
Ergo, An Open Access Journal of Philosophy July 17, 2023 DOI: 10.3998/ergo.3593 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Citations | 3 |
| Key points | Proposes that the nature and reality of the "sense of existence"—the awareness that typically grounds ordinary judgments of reality—can be clarified by examining depersonalization disorder, a condition in which this sense appears to be disrupted. The sense of existence has been invoked by Humeans, Kantians, Ideologists, and the phenomenological tradition, but its existence is controversial. |
Abstract
If I see, hear, or touch a sparrow, the sparrow seems real to me. Unlike Bigfoot or Santa Claus, it seems to exist; I will therefore judge that it does indeed exist. The “sense of existence” refers to the kind of awareness that typically grounds such ordinary judgments of existence or “reality.” The sense of existence has been invoked by Humeans, Kantians, Ideologists, and the phenomenological tradition to make substantial philosophical claims. However, it is extremely controversial; its very existence has been called into question. This paper aims to clarify the nature and reality of the sense of existence by studying a psychiatric condition in which the sense appears to be disrupted: depersonalization disorder (DPD).
Citations in the library
Cited by 1
Cites 5
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- Felt Reality and the Opacity of Perception Topoi June 1, 2017
- Depersonalization: a selective impairment of self-awareness. Consciousness and Cognition March 2011
- Depersonalization August 13, 2009
- Unpacking the depersonalization syndrome: an exploratory factor analysis on the Cambridge Depersonalization Scale Psychological Medicine October 1, 2005