
Mind-independent existence
Mind-independent existence refers to things that exist independently of anyone’s thoughts, perceptions, or beliefs. For example, a mountain or a star exists whether or not someone is aware of them. Their existence doesn’t rely on us noticing or thinking about them; they are there objectively. This contrasts with mind-dependent entities, like ideas or dreams, which only exist within someone’s mind. Philosophers debate whether everything is mind-dependent or if some things, like physical objects, truly exist outside of our perceptions. Mind-independent existence emphasizes an external reality that persists regardless of our awareness.