Summary idealism (aqa philosophy a* notes)

PERCEPTION AS A REASON FOR
KNOWLEDGE – IDEALISM

“The immediate objects of perceptions
(i.e. ordinary objects such as tables,
chairs) are mind-dependent objects”

, Notes:




Berkely rejects understanding that physical objects are mind independent, claims that
reality is dependent on minds
- Ordinary objects of perception, such as tables must be perceived in order to exist
- Table must be perceived in order for it to exist
o If we are not perceiving it then it doesn’t actually exist
- Only thing that exists: MIND, WHAT MINDS PERCIEVES
Idealism = claims nothing exists that is independent of our minds
- Anti-realist = no external world independent of mind
- We perceive ideas directly
- Immediately objects of perception are mind dependent ideas
o Berkeley’s asks how, if realism is true, we can link up our perception with the
objects behind it
 BUT WE CANNOT DO THAT, WE ARE STUCK BEHIND THE VEIL OF
PERCEPTION
o His arguments for idealism:
 Locke’s primary/secondary qualities
 Master argument
 Master argument says the argument and idea of mind
independent objects is inconceivable and impossible

ARGUMENT FOR IDEALISM:
1. MASTER ARGUMENT

- If material objects exist, then they exist independently of any minds thinking of them
- If material objects exist independently of any minds thinking of them, then it is
conceivable for material objects to exist without any mind thinking of them
o BUT THIS IS NOT THE CASE, cannot conceive of something to exist outside the
mind
o Unperceived substance is contradictory
- Thinking of a tree existing that is perceived by anyone
o It is impossible because you are imagining a tree in a solitary place with no
one perceiving it