solipsism

n. the philosophical position that one can be sure of the existence of nothing outside the self, as other people and things may be mere figments of one’s own consciousness. Although psychologically unacceptable, such a position is notoriously difficult to refute, either logically or empirically. The question posed by solipsism has been put in various ways, but all arise from the fact that one’s experience of one’s own consciousness and identity is direct and unique, so that one is cut off from the same kind of experience of other minds and the things of the world. See Cartesian self; egocentric predicament. —solipsist n. —solipsistic adj.

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Psychology term of the day

May 9th 2024

ecosystemic approach

an approach to therapy that emphasizes the interaction between the individual or family and larger social contexts, such as schools, workplaces, and social agencies. The approach emphasizes interrelatedness and interdependency and derives from diverse fields, including psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, and political science. Family therapy in particular, has made use of this approach in designing interventions for complex families and systems. See also ecological systems theory. [developed in psychology by Urie Bronfenbrenner]