3 Review(s)

About the book : The book presents The Principles of Human Knowledge as a comprehensive explanation of a philosophical concept, asserting that the world is comprised solely of finite minds, ideas, and an infinite spirit known as God. Initially met with heavy criticism from his contemporaries due to fears of skepticism and atheism, Berkeley's theory challenges the existence of non-spiritual reality. However, The Three Dialogues effectively address these concerns. It promotes the belief that reality exists only within the mind and that the presence of material objects relies on their perception. According to this perspective, material substance is refuted, and ordinary items like tables and chairs are perceived ideas that cannot exist independent of perception. Additionally, Berkeley's critique of abstraction is renowned as a significant foundation for his argument in favor of immaterialism. About the Author : : Bishop Berkeley (1685-1753), a British philosopher, established the influential doctrine of Immaterialism. His first major work, published in 1709 as An Essay Towards a New Theory of Vision, examined the limitations of human sight and proposed the idea that the objects of vision are not material entities, but rather light and color. This laid the groundwork for his chief philosophical opus, A Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge, published in 1710. Initially met with a lukewarm reception, Berkeley reworked the treatise into a dialogue format and released it as Three Dialogues between Hylas and Philonous in 1713. This book further delved into Berkeley's interests and gained increased attention in the aftermath of World War II, as it addressed several key philosophical concerns of the 20th century, including perception, the distinction between primary and secondary qualities, and the significance of language.