Is solipsism ego-centric ? ---and why ?

Question

from what i've been reading on solipsism, i find that it is extremely egoistic. It seems to be obviously all about the individual solipsist's self-identity with most emphasis on the ego.

There is even a medical term called "Solipsism Syndrome," in which the person believes that everything, i.e. reality, is only a dream. This, for example, happens to some of the people who live in the arctic, where, in the winter months, it is dark 24 hours a day.

So, am i right or wrong in thinking that solipsism is egotistical? and if wrong, can you give me proof, or reasons why i am wrong.

Also, please do not give me the same old babble about solipsism being disprovable. It seems to be the only argument that solipsism gives for itself, and to me, that is not an example of proof of existence, only an argument against its non-existence.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Umm, how could solipsism NOT be ego-centric? Do you understand what solipsism means? It means you think you are the only real "thing" in the universe. Hardly a component of selflessness or compassion for others. It's practically a definition of ego-centrism

Answer 2

According to solipsism everything outside the mind is simply an illusion, thus that excludes the self (or ego) for a substantial part from reality.



But does ego-centrism implies reflection about the impressions of the self? Because that wouldn't fit in a solipsist's world view.



In short, there's no reason to think he or her would be selfish. His solipsism is just an epistemological belief.

Answer 3

Interesting question- not your 'Run of the Mill' inquiry posed here. Now, I am not an expert- please bear this in mind.



No one else bothered to answer, so I decided to give it a run.



Yes, I think that solipsism is egocentric, after a fashion. But really, I think that, more so than its being egocentric, it is sad. It's a very lonely point of view. It transforms other people into illusory ghosts. I suppose that in a way, it is the antithesis of nihilism. The brittle, small leaves that once constituted life's meaning begin to falter, and are scattered by the winds, when we observe the universe through the uncanny eyes of the solipsist.



In my opinion, there is no way to disprove solipsism. Like the existence of God, there is no way to prove it is real, and no way to intelligently deny that it could be true. But if it is true, then more disturbing questions emerge out of the shadows of the abyss. If solipsists are correct, then does this mean that only one person exists right now? If so, who could it be?



It is haunting to think about, but there is no way for us to know for sure that it isn't the truth.

Answer 4

I think this depends upon your definition of egocentrism. Strictly speaking, egocentrism accepts the reality of others' existence yet places oneself (one's opinions or interests) above others. An inferior reality, indeed, but nevertheless entirely independent of oneself.



On the other hand, solipsism argues against the reality or existence of anything outside one's own mind. I might argue that neither my computer, nor my grandmother exists in reality, but are merely mental abstractions dependent entirely upon my own existence. Struggling with the concept of the external world in contrast with my own thoughts and existence, I can hold solipsistic beliefs without any sense of personal aggrandizement. That is, disbelieving the existence of a universe separate from my own mind, does not require that I think less of that universe.



Indeed, a true solipsist cannot, at the same time, hold egocentric beliefs without first accepting the reality of those he finds inferior.