Can We Ever Know Other Minds? The Chilling Question That Will Change How You See People

When you look at someone, do you assume they have thoughts, feelings, and experiences like you? This assumption is so natural that it rarely seems worth questioning — until philosophy asks the hard question: How can we be sure that others possess consciousness?

Thomas Nagel points out that we never directly observe another’s mind. Instead, we interpret behavior — speech, expressions, actions — as signs of inner experience. But these are external clues, not direct access. Imagine watching a sophisticated robot that mimics human behavior perfectly. Would it have experiences?

This epistemic gap leads to radical skepticism about other minds. The possibility that others might be mindless automatons is chilling, challenging the foundations of empathy, communication, and society itself.

Extending this puzzle, we face questions about animals and machines. We attribute consciousness to pets and some animals based on behavior, but what about simpler creatures or advanced AI? The boundaries blur, forcing us to reconsider what it means to have a mind.

Despite these uncertainties, most people trust in the existence of other minds. This trust is essential for social life and moral relations. Nagel’s exploration encourages us to appreciate the mystery and complexity of consciousness, urging humility and wonder.