noun
- the philosophical theory that physical objects do not exist as things in themselves but only as perceptual phenomena or sensory experiences in the mind of the perceiver
Usage: philosophy
Examples
- Berkeley’s phenomenalism argued that material objects exist only as ideas in the mind.
- The philosopher rejected phenomenalism in favor of a more realistic view of the external world.
- According to phenomenalism, the tree in the forest exists only when someone perceives it.
- Students often struggle to understand the implications of phenomenalism for scientific knowledge.
- The debate between phenomenalism and realism has persisted for centuries in philosophy.
- Mill’s version of phenomenalism suggested that objects are permanent possibilities of sensation.