Social Solipsism

Epistemological Solipsism is one of the sillier philosophical positions taken by philosophers in the long history of philosophy.  In its less silly form it amounts to the claim that, although we may have good cause to think we ourselves exist, we have no good reason to believe in the existence of other people or things.

I've always felt that there's something offensive about the argument that we can't really know whether the people and things we interact with without question every instant we live are real.  The contention is utterly futile, and one of the several philosophical positions which constitute claimed differences which make no difference.

But if taken seriously as a belief which impacts how we live, it's most offensive as it diminishes the worth and significance of others.  Why trouble ourselves about what can't be shown to be real?

I doubt anyone accepts Epistemological Solipsism in any meaningful sense.  But I think there are many who are what I'll call Social Solipsists for purposes of this post, and that their number is growing.

I'll define "Social Solipsism" as the belief that there is no good reason to care about other people.  Social Solipsists [shall we call them "the SS"? Not quite yet, perhaps] don't think other people cannot be shown to exist.  They think that they exist, but believe that they don't matter.  Social Solipsists aren't concerned by them, they don't sympathize with them, they don't think about them.  Social Solipsists acknowledge other people exist, but treat them as though they don't.

A Selective Social Solipsist thinks that certain people are significant or useful for one reason or another, for selfish reasons, and so care about them.  But the great majority of their fellow human beings are of no importance.

Social Solipsism has become rampant in our politics and in the media, social media included.  Other people--those who aren't useful, or don't think or act like we do, who don't figure in our plans, whose existence doesn't fit our interest or is contrary to it--don't concern us. They may be disregarded, and if necessary exiled or deported or  removed from the scene in some way.

Removed like Palestinians from Gaza, for example; or removed from employment in the federal goverment. Social Solipsists aren't concerned with the impact that their conduct has on others, as those others though they exist might as well not exist. Social Solipsists need not respect others, or consider their desires, for the same reason.

It's a new way of defining our self-regard and selfishness, and adds a philosophical tint to our sociopathy. And it seems to fit those who think empathy is a weakness well, if I don't say so myself.