Principles of Human Knowledge and Three Dialogues (Penguin Classics) - Softcover

Berkeley, George

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0140432930 ISBN 13: 9780140432930

Publisher: Penguin Classics, 1988

Synopsis

One of the greatest British philosophers, Bishop Berkeley (1685-1753) was the founder of the influential doctrine of Immaterialism - the belief that there is no reality outside the mind, and that the existence of material objects depends upon their being perceived. The Principles of Human Knowledge eloquently outlines this philosophical concept, and argues forcefully that the world consists purely of finite minds and ideas, and of an infinite spirit, God. A denial of all non-spiritual reality, Berkeley's theory was at first heavily criticized by his contemporaries, who feared its ideas would lead to scepticism and atheism., The Three Dialogues provide a powerful response to these fears.

About this title

Review:

There is something beautiful about the design of this series: their portability, even their tendency to become dog-eared. And this is a welcome reprint, sensitively edited. (Nicholas Lezard, The Guardian)

the editions deserve great credit for the enthusiasm of their approach ... The introductions by eminent scholars put the thoughts of the author and the history of the time into clear perspective. Oxford should be given credit for making the classics accessible for all rather than just crib notes for students. (Jonathan Copeland, Lincolnshire Echo)

About the Author:

Bishop Berkeley (1685-1753) was one of the greatest British philosophers.

Roger Woolhouse Roger Woolhouse is a Professor in the Philosophy Department at York University. He has written extensively about philosophy in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries - mainly focusing on metaphysics and the philosophy of science. He is currently working on Leibniz and on Spinoza.

About this edition

• Publisher: Penguin Classics
• Publication date: 1988
• ISBN 10: 0140432930
• ISBN 13: 9780140432930
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 224