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INTERNALIST VS EXTERNALIST

Introduction:

The names Internalism and externalism happens to be two contrasting theories which occur throughout in different contextual philosophy theories. Philosophers associate internalism and externalism as an extension of one self. Internalism depicts the internal memories or rational behavior the individual encompasses where as externalism depicts the external outlook of things.

Discussion:

Although the terms “internalism” and “externalism” have their origin in analytical philosophy, the problems they address are classical philosophical problems. Within the philosophy of mind, the issues at stake concern the relation between mind and world. They bear on our conception of consciousness and intentionality as well as on our basic understanding of the nature of reality, but issues like these have, of course, been discussed in other philosophical traditions as well, not the least in phenomenology. In recent years, participants from both sides of the debate have occasionally turned to phenomenology in an attempt to buttress their own arguments. On the face of it, this is somewhat puzzling.

However, “Internalism” and “externalism” are umbrella terms which mean that these two words provide a superset or grouping of concepts which fall under a common category. Consequently, it makes little sense to ask in general whether somebody is an internalist or an externalist, since the answer will depend on the specific kind of internalism or externalism one has in mind. Thus, according to this view, for their content mental states depend upon nothing external to the subject whose states they are, i.e., the mind is taken to have the referential powers it has quite independently of how the world is. This is not to deny that some of our mental states, for instance our perceptions, might be causally dependent upon external factors; the point is simply that it is the internal states—regardless of how they are being caused—which determine what we are conscious of.

Therefore, there is moral internalism or motivational internalism which view moral convictions which do not necessarily need to be beliefs, or feeling are intrinsically motivating. The motivational internalist believes that there is a deep and thorough connection between one's conviction and motivation. However, they also believe that there is not any such thing as an internal connection between moral convictions and moral motives. These moral psychological views have various implications. Some philosophers advocate the fact that both the reasons exists while other believe that only one exists or the other exists. For instance some philosophers believe that the internal reasons for internalism while other argues that external factors give birth to externalism and are in completely denial of the other fact.

However, in his philosophy and phenominical research James Drier initiated something known as Dispositions and Fetishes: Externalist Models of Moral Motivation. Drier being a thorough supporter of Externalism believed that internalism is a mere representation of moral judgment and is not substantial enough to prove it. The issue prevails in the met ethics rather than in normative theory. He believes that external environment help in shaping up a person's perception about things and life ...