The Works of George Berkeley. Vol. 1 of 4: Philosophical Works, 1705-21Berkeley, George
Philosophy
The Works of George Berkeley. Vol. 1 of 4: Philosophical Works, 1705-21
Berkeley, George
Philosophy -- Early works to 1800
14. I shall farther add, that, after the same manner as modern
philosophers prove certain sensible qualities to have no existence in
Matter, or without the mind, the same thing may be likewise proved of all
other sensible qualities whatsoever. Thus, for instance, it is said that
heat and cold are affections only of the mind, and not at all patterns of
real beings, existing in the corporeal substances which excite them; for
that the same body which appears cold to one hand seems warm to another.
Now, why may we not as well argue that figure and extension are not
patterns or resemblances of qualities existing in Matter; because to the
same eye at different stations, or eyes of a different texture at the same
station, they appear various, and cannot therefore be the images of
anything settled and determinate without the mind? Again, it is proved
that sweetness is not really in the sapid thing; because the thing
remaining unaltered the sweetness is changed into bitter, as in case of a
fever or otherwise vitiated palate. Is it not as reasonable to say that
motion is not without the mind; since if the succession of ideas in the
mind become swifter, the motion, it is acknowledged, shall appear slower,
without any alteration in any external object(552)?
15. In short, let any one consider those arguments which are thought
manifestly to prove that colours and tastes exist only in the mind, and he
shall find they may with equal force be brought to prove the same thing of
extension, figure, and motion. Though it must be confessed this method of
arguing does not so much prove that there is no extension or colour in an
outward object, as that we do not know by sense which is the true
extension or colour of the object. But the arguments foregoing(553)
plainly shew it to be impossible that any colour or extension at all, or
other sensible quality whatsoever, should exist in an unthinking subject
without the mind, or in truth that there should be any such thing as an
outward object(554).
16. But let us examine a little the received opinion. It is said extension
is a _mode_ or _accident_ of Matter, and that Matter is the _substratum_
that supports it. Now I desire that you would explain to me what is meant
by Matter’s _supporting_ extension. Say you, I have no idea of Matter; and
therefore cannot explain it. I answer, though you have no positive, yet,
if you have any meaning at all, you must at least have a relative idea of
Matter; though you know not what it is, yet you must be supposed to know
what relation it bears to accidents, and what is meant by its supporting
them. It is evident _support_ cannot here be taken in its usual or literal
sense, as when we say that pillars support a building. In what sense
therefore must it be taken? [(555) For my part, I am not able to discover
any sense at all that can be applicable to it.]
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