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
Such was the candour of this great man that I perswade myself, were he
alive(138), he would not be offended that I differ from him: seeing that
even in so doing I follow his advice, viz. to use my own judgement, see
with my own eyes, & not with another’s. Introduction.
(M170) The word thing, as comprising or standing for idea & volition,
usefull; as standing for idea and archetype without the mind(139),
mischievous and useless.
(M171) To demonstrate morality it seems one need only make a dictionary of
words, and see which included which. At least, this is the greatest part
and bulk of the work.
(M172) Locke’s instances of demonstration in morality are, according to
his own rule, trifling propositions.
(M173) Qu. How comes it that some ideas are confessedly allow’d by all to
be onely in the mind(140), and others as generally taken to be without the
mind(141), if, according to you, all are equally and only in the mind?
Ans. Because that in proportion to pleasure or pain ideas are attended
with desire, exertion, and other actions which include volition. Now
volition is by all granted to be in spirit.
(M174) If men would lay aside words in thinking, ’tis impossible they
should ever mistake, save only in matters of fact. I mean it seems
impossible they should be positive & secure that anything was true wch in
truth is not so. Certainly I cannot err in matter of simple perception. So
far as we can in reasoning go without the help of signs, there we have
certain knowledge. Indeed, in long deductions made by signs there may be
slips of memory.
(M175) From my doctrine there follows a cure for pride. We are only to be
praised for those things which are our own, or of our own doing; natural
abilitys are not consequences of our volitions.
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
(M176) Mem. Candidly to take notice that Locke holds some dangerous
opinions; such as the infinity and eternity of Space and the possibility
of Matter’s thinking(142).
(M177) Once more I desire my reader may be upon his guard against the
fallacy of words. Let him beware that I do not impose on him by plausible
empty talk, that common dangerous way of cheating men into absurditys. Let
him not regard my words any otherwise than as occasions of bringing into
his mind determin’d significations. So far as they fail of this they are
gibberish, jargon, & deserve not the name of language. I desire & warn him
not to expect to find truth in my book, or anywhere but in his own mind.
Wtever I see myself ’tis impossible I can paint it out in words.
(M178) N. B. To consider well wt is meant by that wch Locke saith
concerning algebra—that it supplys intermediate ideas. Also to think of a
method affording the same use in morals &c. that this doth in
mathematiques.
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