George Berkeley
"To be is to be perceived."
Philosophy: Empiricism, Idealism
Associated Philosophies: Empiricism
Century: 17th
Place of Birth: Ireland | Place of Death: England
Birth Date: 1685-03-12 | Death Date: 1753-01-14
Region: Europe
Background
Born in Ireland, Berkeley was a philosopher and Anglican bishop. He is one of the key figures in the history of idealism, which asserts that reality is fundamentally mental and that the physical world exists only in our minds. Berkeley was also involved in various political and educational efforts, particularly his attempts to establish a college in Bermuda.
Ideas and Theories
Berkeley argued that reality consists only of minds and their ideas, meaning that things exist only when they are perceived. He challenged the idea of material substance, focusing on the relationship between perception and existence.
Major Works
A Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge: Berkeley argues that material objects only exist when perceived, emphasizing the role of the mind in shaping reality. Three Dialogues between Hylas and Philonous: A series of philosophical dialogues where Berkeley explains his immaterialist philosophy.
Influenced By
Berkeley was influenced by empiricists like John Locke, though he rejected Locke’s materialism. He was also inspired by earlier idealist thinkers like Plato, who emphasized the importance of the mind in shaping reality.
Influence on Others
Berkeley’s ideas on idealism influenced later philosophers, including David Hume and Immanuel Kant, who further developed concepts of perception and reality. His work also shaped modern discussions in metaphysics and the philosophy of mind.
Controversies
Berkeley’s rejection of the existence of a material world was highly controversial, with many critics arguing that his ideas were too radical and impractical. He was often misunderstood, with critics claiming that his theory implied the non-existence of the external world, which Berkeley himself denied.
Critics
One of Berkeley’s most famous critics was Samuel Johnson, who, in response to Berkeley’s immaterialism, kicked a stone and proclaimed, 'I refute it thus!' David Hume also critiqued Berkeley's ideas, although he drew on them in his own philosophy of skepticism.
Enduring Impact
Berkeley’s contributions to philosophy, particularly his theory of idealism, have had a lasting impact on metaphysics and epistemology. His arguments about perception and reality continue to be studied and debated in philosophy classrooms around the world.
Interesting Anecdotes
Berkeley’s desire to spread his educational and religious ideas led him to campaign for the creation of a missionary college in Bermuda, though the project ultimately failed. Despite this, he spent several years in America and became a strong advocate for the education of Native Americans.
