externalism

Externalism, in epistemology, is a theory that suggests mental states, including knowledge and belief, are determined by factors external to the individual's mind. This contrasts with internalism, which posits that justification for beliefs depends solely on internal mental states.1

One form of externalism, known as reliabilism, argues that a belief is justified if it is produced by a reliable process that consistently leads to true beliefs. This means that even if an individual is unaware of the reliability of the process, their belief can still be considered justified. This perspective offers a way to counter skepticism by providing a foundation for knowledge that doesn't solely rely on internal awareness.1

Externalism also touches upon the debate of innate versus acquired knowledge, suggesting that our environment and external factors play a crucial role in shaping what we know.2