Word

solipsism

noun C1

/ˈsɒlɪpsɪzəm/

Meanings

noun

The philosophical theory that only one’s own mind is certain to exist and that knowledge of an external world is uncertain.

solipsism: The philosophical theory that only one’s own mind is certain to exist and that knowledge of an external world is…

noun

An attitude of extreme self-centeredness that ignores or dismisses other people’s experiences and viewpoints.

Definition

Solipsism is the belief that only one’s own mind is certain to exist.

Solipsism is a philosophical view that you can be sure only of your own conscious experience. It doubts whether anything outside your mind—other people and the external world—can be known to exist independently. In everyday use, it can also describe an attitude that treats other perspectives as less real or less important.

Examples

I found the novel’s flirtation with solipsism unsettling, because every relationship felt like a projection rather than a meeting of minds.
You can discuss solipsism in class without endorsing it, as long as you separate the argument from your personal beliefs.
He accused the film of solipsism, arguing that it treated supporting characters as props for the protagonist’s inner drama.
She pushed back against solipsism in the debate by insisting that shared evidence matters even when perceptions differ.
They traced the artist’s turn toward solipsism to isolation, though the later work still invited genuine dialogue with viewers.

Common mistake

Learners often confuse solipsism (only my mind is certain) with nihilism (nothing has meaning) or narcissism (excessive self-love).