The Argument from Dreaming

Description: The Argument from Dreaming is a philosophical argument that attempts to demonstrate the existence of an external world independent of our minds. It is based on the premise that dreams are not real, and that therefore the things we experience in dreams must exist outside of our minds.
Number of Questions: 5
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Tags: philosophy of perception metaphysics epistemology
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What is the main premise of the Argument from Dreaming?

  1. Dreams are real.

  2. Dreams are not real.

  3. The things we experience in dreams exist outside of our minds.

  4. The things we experience in dreams do not exist outside of our minds.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Argument from Dreaming is based on the premise that dreams are not real. This is because dreams are often bizarre and nonsensical, and they do not seem to follow the same rules as the waking world.

What is the conclusion of the Argument from Dreaming?

  1. The external world exists independently of our minds.

  2. The external world does not exist independently of our minds.

  3. We cannot know whether the external world exists independently of our minds.

  4. The external world is a figment of our imagination.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Argument from Dreaming concludes that the external world exists independently of our minds because if dreams are not real, then the things we experience in dreams must exist outside of our minds.

What is one objection to the Argument from Dreaming?

  1. Dreams are sometimes based on real experiences.

  2. We can never be sure that we are not dreaming.

  3. The things we experience in dreams are not always bizarre and nonsensical.

  4. All of the above.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

There are several objections to the Argument from Dreaming. One objection is that dreams are sometimes based on real experiences. Another objection is that we can never be sure that we are not dreaming. Finally, some people argue that the things we experience in dreams are not always bizarre and nonsensical.

How does the Argument from Dreaming relate to other philosophical arguments?

  1. It is similar to the Argument from Illusion.

  2. It is similar to the Argument from Evil.

  3. It is similar to the Argument from Change.

  4. It is similar to all of the above.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Argument from Dreaming is similar to other philosophical arguments, such as the Argument from Illusion, the Argument from Evil, and the Argument from Change. All of these arguments attempt to demonstrate the existence of an external world independent of our minds.

What is the significance of the Argument from Dreaming?

  1. It is a powerful argument for the existence of God.

  2. It is a powerful argument for the existence of an external world.

  3. It is a powerful argument for the existence of the soul.

  4. It is a powerful argument for the existence of free will.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Argument from Dreaming is a powerful argument for the existence of an external world because it shows that the things we experience in dreams must exist outside of our minds.

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