The Works of George Berkeley. Vol. 1 of 4: Philosophical Works, 1705-21 by Berkeley
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This isn't a novel with a plot, but the story here is the explosive development of one of philosophy's most radical ideas. In his early twenties, Berkeley published works like An Essay Towards a New Theory of Vision and his most famous, A Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge. His core argument? That objects only exist insofar as they are perceived by a mind. That apple, that chair, the mountain in the distance—they aren't independently existing lumps of matter. Their 'to be is to be perceived' (or esse est percipi). He's not saying things disappear when you blink; he argues a divine, eternal mind (God) perceives everything constantly, holding all of reality in existence.
Why You Should Read It
Berkeley's philosophy feels like a magic trick. At first, it sounds absurd. But then he starts building his case, and you realize how many of our assumptions about a solid, external world are just that—assumptions. Reading him is an active, engaging experience. You'll find yourself arguing with the pages, testing his ideas against your own experience. It’s less about dry theory and more about a direct challenge to your everyday perception. The clarity and confidence of his writing, especially for such a wild idea, is genuinely impressive.
Final Verdict
Perfect for curious readers who enjoy big, 'what if' questions and don't mind having their reality gently (or not-so-gently) shaken. It's great for anyone interested in the roots of modern philosophy, psychology, or even physics. You don't need a PhD to get into it—just a willingness to play along with a brilliant, counterintuitive thought experiment that still sparks debate 300 years later.
This digital edition is based on a public domain text. Access is open to everyone around the world.
Robert Allen
1 year agoClear and concise.
Charles Gonzalez
1 year agoThis book was worth my time since it manages to explain difficult concepts in plain English. I will read more from this author.