1. The philosophical view that the content of mental states or knowledge depends on factors outside the mind or brain, such as the external environment or social context.
Usage: philosophy; formal
2. In ethics and aesthetics, the theory that the value or meaning of something is determined by external factors rather than internal properties or intentions.
Usage: philosophy; formal

Examples

• Externalism challenges the idea that thoughts are purely internal mental events.
• According to externalism, the meaning of the word 'water' depends on the actual presence of water in the environment.
• The debate between internalism and externalism remains central to philosophy of mind.
• Externalism suggests that knowledge requires a proper causal connection to the external world.
• Some philosophers argue that externalism better explains how language refers to objects outside the mind.