Defence of Commonsense (Moore, Russell, and Early Wittgenstein) | Philosophy Optional Notes for UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

Context and Significance of Commonsense Philosophy Commonsense philosophy underscores the value of everyday knowledge and beliefs, countering skepticism and idealism. This philosophical approach champions the reliability of ordinary experiences, asserting that our commonplace beliefs offer a sturdy foundation for knowledge.

Overview of G.E. Moore, Bertrand Russell, and Ludwig Wittgenstein

• G.E. Moore (1873-1958): A British philosopher known for defending commonsense against skepticism and idealism through works like "A Defence of Commonsense" and "Proof of an External World."
• Bertrand Russell (1872-1970): A British philosopher and mathematician who contributed significantly to logic, epistemology, and the philosophy of language. He defended commonsense in conjunction with his logical atomism in works such as "The Problems of Philosophy."
• Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889-1951): An Austrian-British philosopher renowned in analytic philosophy. Although not explicitly addressing commonsense, his ideas in "Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus" have implications for its defense and metaphysical critique.

Importance of Defending Commonsense in Their Works These philosophers make the defense of commonsense central in their writings. They argue that everyday beliefs are generally trustworthy and provide a reliable basis for knowledge, countering skepticism, idealism, and other views undermining ordinary experience.

G.E. Moore’s Defense of Commonsense

Moore’s Critique of Idealism
Moore criticizes idealism, asserting that it undermines commonsense beliefs about an external, mind-independent world. His commitment to realism drives this critique, emphasizing the world's existence beyond our perceptions and thoughts.

The Concept of "Common Sense" in Moore’s Philosophy
In Moore's philosophy, "common sense" refers to everyday beliefs and assumptions that help us comprehend and navigate the world. These beliefs include the existence of an external world, other minds, and the reliability of our senses. Moore contends that common sense is more certain and justifiable than philosophical theories contradicting it.

Moore’s Works: "Proof of an External World" and "A Defence of Commonsense"

• In "Proof of an External World," Moore defends the existence of an external world by showcasing his hands, emphasizing immediate, sensory-based knowledge.
• In "A Defence of Commonsense," he upholds common sense against challenges, asserting that it surpasses opposing philosophical theories. Realism and the trustworthiness of everyday experiences underpin Moore's defense.

Bertrand Russell’s Defense of Commonsense

Russell’s Logical Atomism and Its Relation to Commonsense
Russell's logical atomism posits that the world comprises simple, independent facts represented by elementary propositions. This aligns closely with his defense of commonsense, offering a framework to understand the world's structure and the nature of our knowledge. Russell asserts that commonsense beliefs derive from the objective structure of reality, rendering them reliable.

Russell’s Critique of Idealism and Defense of Realism
Russell, like Moore, criticizes idealism. His commitment to realism asserts that the world exists independently of our thoughts. Russell contends that realism provides a more plausible account of everyday experiences, strengthening the foundation for commonsense beliefs and philosophical inquiry.

The Role of Commonsense in Russell’s "The Problems of Philosophy"
Russell's book "The Problems of Philosophy" explores various philosophical issues, emphasizing commonsense as a starting point for philosophical inquiry. He argues that commonsense beliefs are a solid foundation for knowledge, and any view opposing them is likely flawed or misguided.

Early Wittgenstein’s Defense of Commonsense

Wittgenstein’s "Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus" and Its Connection to Commonsense
Ludwig Wittgenstein's early work, the "Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus," delves into the interplay between language, thought, and reality. While not explicitly focused on commonsense, his ideas have implications for its defense.

The Picture Theory of Meaning and Its Impact on Commonsense
Wittgenstein introduces the picture theory of meaning, stating that propositions depict the world by illustrating states of affairs. This theory suggests that our everyday beliefs and statements are rooted in the objective structure of reality, bolstering the trustworthiness of commonsense beliefs.

Wittgenstein’s Critique of Metaphysics and Language’s Limits
The "Tractatus" includes a critique of metaphysics, which Wittgenstein deems nonsensical due to their inability to be represented in language. Wittgenstein's critique implies that some philosophical challenges to commonsense stem from linguistic misunderstandings.

Comparing Moore, Russell, and Early Wittgenstein

Commonalities and Differences in Their Commonsense Defenses

• Similarities:

  • All three philosophers endorse realism, asserting that the world exists independently of our perceptions.
  • They emphasize the importance of commonsense beliefs as a foundational aspect of philosophical inquiry.

• Differences:

  • Moore’s defense focuses on critiquing idealism and providing direct arguments for the external world's existence.
  • Russell’s defense aligns with logical atomism, analyzing commonsense beliefs into simpler propositions.
  • Wittgenstein’s defense is implicit, with his work emphasizing the correspondence between language and reality.

Influence of Each Philosopher on the Others
These philosophers mutually influenced each other:

• Moore's defense of commonsense influenced Russell's development of logical atomism.
• Russell's logical atomism influenced early Wittgenstein's ideas.
• Wittgenstein’s "Tractatus" had a profound impact on both Moore and Russell and on analytic philosophy as a whole.

Impact on the Development of Analytic Philosophy
Their defense of commonsense shaped early analytic philosophy by emphasizing clarity, realism, and the role of language in philosophical inquiry.

Criticisms of Moore’s Defense of Commonsense

Objections to Moore’s Arguments and Methodology

• Critics argue Moore's arguments, like the "Proof of an External World," are circular or question-begging, as they rely on sensory experiences.
• Relying on intuition to establish beliefs is criticized as unreliable, given potential biases.

Role of Skepticism in Critiques
Critics, invoking skepticism, challenge Moore’s defense by suggesting that senses and intuitions may be systematically deceptive, as seen in the brain-in-a-vat thought experiment.

Responses to Criticisms

• Defenders argue Moore's arguments show the reasonableness of commonsense beliefs rather than conclusively proving them.
• Some contend that intuitions, when widespread and consistent, can offer reliable evidence.
• Skepticism is countered as an unreasonable and self-defeating position undermining knowledge.

Criticisms of Russell’s Defense of Commonsense

Objections to Russell’s Logical Atomism
Critics argue that logical atomism is overly reductionist, oversimplifying our complex commonsense beliefs.

Challenges to Language-Reality Relationship
Russell's view of language mirroring reality is criticized as overly simplistic, failing to capture the nuances and complexity of language.

Role of Skepticism in Critiques
Skeptics challenge Russell's defense by raising doubts about the reliability of senses and intuitions.

Responses to Criticisms

• Defenders contend that logical atomism is a framework rather than a complete account of the world.
• Russell's language-reality view is seen as metaphorical, not literal.
• Skepticism is dismissed as undermining the basis of knowledge.

Criticisms of Early Wittgenstein’s Defense of Commonsense

Objections to Wittgenstein’s Picture Theory of Meaning
Critics argue the theory oversimplifies language by neglecting metaphor, ambiguity, and context.

Challenges to Language-Reality Relationship
Wittgenstein's view of language mirroring reality is considered overly simplistic and unable to capture the complexities of language.

Role of Skepticism in Critiques
Skeptics raise doubts about the reliability of senses and intuitions in Wittgenstein's defense.

Responses to Criticisms

• Wittgenstein's picture theory is seen as a starting point for understanding language and reality.
• His view of language as metaphorical is emphasized.
• Skepticism is dismissed as undermining the basis of knowledge.

The Legacy of Moore, Russell, and Early Wittgenstein

Impact on Later Philosophers
Their defense of commonsense influenced subsequent philosophers, including logical positivists, ordinary language philosophers, and later Wittgenstein.

Development of Analytic Philosophy
Their ideas contributed to key themes in analytic philosophy, such as precision, realism, and language analysis.

Ongoing Relevance in Contemporary Philosophy
Their ideas remain relevant in contemporary debates, spanning epistemology, metaphysics, philosophy of language, philosophy of mind, and ethics.

Conclusion

Enduring Significance of Commonsense Defense
The defense of commonsense by Moore, Russell, and Wittgenstein continues to shape philosophy, providing a robust foundation for knowledge and inquiry.

Contributions of Moore, Russell, and Wittgenstein
Each philosopher made significant contributions to the defense of commonsense, with distinct approaches and emphases.

Contemporary Debates and Challenges
Commonsense defense remains a lively topic in contemporary philosophy, influencing discussions across various philosophical domains.