The Brain in a Vat

The scenario of the brain in a vat first aired thirty-five years ago in Hilary Putnam''s classic paper has been deeply influential in philosophy of mind and language epistemology and metaphysics. This collection of new essays examines the scenario and its philosophical ramifications and applications as well as the challenges which it has faced. The essays review historical applications of the brain-in-a-vat scenario and consider its impact on contemporary debates. They explore a diverse range of philosophical issues from intentionality external-world scepticism and the nature of truth to the extended mind hypothesis reference magnetism and new versions of realism. The volume will be a rich and valuable resource for advanced students in metaphysics epistemology and philosophy of mind and language as well as anyone interested in the relations between language thought and the world.