Issues with Idealism

Discuss these questions with your neighbour:• What is the crux (central point) of each issue?• Do you think either offers a valid response to

idealism? Why/Why not?• Out of the four issues covered, which do you

think is the weakest? Why?

How does Berkeley defend Idealism?

God in the Quad – A limerick by Ronald Knox

There was a young man who said, "GodMust think it exceedingly odd

If he finds that this treeContinues to be

When there's no one about in the Quad."

REPLYDear Sir:

Your astonishment's odd:I am always about in the Quad.

And that's why the treeWill continue to be,Since observed by

Yours faithfully,GOD.

How does Berkeley explain that there are other minds apart from ours?

If all I perceive are ideas, what reason do I have to think that other minds exist?

1. The mind is that which (actively) perceives, thinks and wills, while ideas are passive (i.e. ideas are just there to be perceived; they put up no fight to being perceived!)

2. I am aware of myself as capable of this activity.3. Therefore, I am not my ideas, but a mind.4. Being a mind myself, I have a ‘notion’ of what a mind is.5. Therefore, it is possible that other minds exist.6. My perceptions don’t originate in my mind.7. Therefore, they are caused by some other mind.8. The complexity, regularity, etc of my experience indicates that

this mind is God.

How does Berkeley defend Idealism?

• Read pages 43-44 of blue book

• Do you think God can be used to play the role he does?

• Read through your sheet and highlight the key points

• Does B just use God to escape the challenges?

Homework

• Answer this 15 mark question: Assess whether we can know that the external world

exists.• I am looking for about 3/4 sides of writing. You need to

hand write this essay.• PP 356 – 8 in Hayward book has some v.useful guidance.

• Use the essay guideline to help you and the mark scheme for a 15 mark question.