This book investigates the ontological status of the external world by questioning whether the objects we perceive possess an existence independent of our mental states. Jan Westerhoff, a professor of philosophy, utilizes a rigorous analytical framework to examine arguments from both Western and Eastern philosophical traditions. By synthesizing classical metaphysical inquiries with contemporary cognitive science, he challenges the assumption that a mind-independent reality is a necessary foundation for human experience.

Scholars and students of philosophy frequently note the academic density and technical precision of Westerhoff's prose. Experts highlight this as a significant contribution to the ongoing discourse regarding the nature of reality and the limits of human knowledge.