Spiritual Evidence Map
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Private Language

Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy · 2019 · Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy

Spiritual Evidence Map/Last updated May 10, 2026/Claims v1.0.0-provisional/Sources v1.0.0/Scores provisional

Summary

Reference entry on Wittgenstein's private-language argument and its implications for purely private meanings and sensations.

Why it matters here

A central philosophical challenge to solipsistic pictures of meaning, language, and private experience.

Linked claims

Evidence score 1/10
Solipsism — only my mind is certain

The view that only my own mind is certain to exist; everything else might be a projection. Cartesian doubt pushed to its limit.

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Consciousness & Mind

What consciousness is, how it relates to brains, and whether it's basic to reality.

Evidence pillar
Consciousness

The nature of subjective experience.

Evidence pillar
Philosophy of mind

Mind–brain relation, qualia, intentionality.