The spelling of "external world" is straightforward, but the pronunciation can be tricky. The first word, "external," is pronounced /ɪkstɜːrnl/ (ik-stur-nal), with the stress on the second syllable. The "x" is pronounced as "ks," and the "e" is pronounced as "eh." The second word, "world," is pronounced /wɜːld/ (world), with the stress on the first syllable. The "w" is pronounced as "wuh," and the "o" is pronounced as "ur." Together, the phrase is pronounced /ɪkstɜːrnl wɜːld/ (ik-stur-nal world).
The external world refers to the objective reality and environment that exists independently of an individual's perception or consciousness. It encompasses everything outside of one's mind or subjective experience. The concept of the external world is fundamental to the philosophy of metaphysics and epistemology, as it acknowledges the distinction between an individual's thoughts, sensations, and beliefs, and entities that exist externally and are shared by multiple individuals.
This external world includes all physical objects, living organisms, natural phenomena, and social structures. It encompasses the observable universe, including the Earth, planets, stars, galaxies, and the vast expanse of space, as well as the natural laws and forces that govern them.
The external world is perceived and apprehended through our senses, such as sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. Humans interact with the external world, learn from it, and derive knowledge, experiences, and impressions from it.
However, the existence and nature of the external world have been subjects of philosophical debates and skepticism. Philosophers have explored questions like whether it's possible to truly know the external world and how individual perceptions and biases may shape our understanding of it.
Despite these debates, the widely accepted understanding of the external world is that it constitutes the objective reality that exists beyond an individual's consciousness or subjective reality.
The etymology of the word "external" can be traced back to the Latin word "externus", which means "outward" or "external". This Latin term is derived from the root "exter", meaning "foreign" or "outer". The word "world" has its roots in the Old English word "wielde", which refers to the earth or a dwelling place. The combination of these two words, "external" and "world", conveys the concept of the world or reality beyond oneself, outside of one's own mind or immediate surroundings.