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Question 1

Berkley’s idealism

Answer 1

Ordinary objects are collections of ideas in a mind caused by God.

The immediate objects of perception are ordinary objects which are mind-dependent.

Question 2

Berkley’s idealism in standard form

Answer 2

P1: We are directly aware of ordinary objects

P2: The only things we are directly aware of are ideas/sensations

C1:Therefore, ordinary objects are ideas/sensations.

P3: Ideas/sensations cannot exist unperceived.

C2: Therefore, ordinary objects cannot exist unperceived (i.e. are mind-dependent).

Question 3

Sensible property

Answer 3

a property that we are able to sense

Question 3

Ideas

Answer 3

Berkeley uses the term ‘idea’ to refer to mind-dependent objects

Question 4

Berkeley’s attack on the primary/secondary property distinction (against Locke’s variation point)

Answer 4

P1; If a property is subject to interpersonal and intrapersonal perceptual variation then that property is mind-dependent (Locke’s claim)

P2: Both “secondary” and “primary” properties are subject to interpersonal and intrapersonal perceptual variation. (This counters what Locke says)

C: Therefore both “secondary” and “primary” properties are mind-dependent

Question 5

Berkeley’s attack on the primary/secondary property distinction (against Locke’s conceivability point)

Answer 5

P1: An object with primary properties but without any secondary properties is inconceivable.

P2: If such an object is inconceivable then it is impossible.

P3: If it is impossible then both “primary” and “secondary” properties must both be essential properties of objects.

C1:Therefore, both “primary” and “secondary” properties are essential properties of objects

C2: Therefore they must both be in the mind (since it has already been shown that “secondary” properties are in the mind)

Question 6

Berkley’s master argument: for the impossibility of realism

Answer 6

P1: Mind-independent objects are inconceivable because the moment you attempt to conceive of one, what you conceive of is in the mind and so is mind-dependent.

P2: If X is inconceivable then X is impossible.

C1: Therefore, mind-independent objects are impossible.

C2: Therefore realism is impossible and so false.

Question 7

Berkeley’s argument for God’s existence and the role played by God

Answer 7

P1: Mind-dependent objects must have a cause.

P2: A mind-independent reality cannot be the cause because it does not exist.

P3: The only options left are (1) other mind-dependent objects, (2) my mind, (3) another mind.

P4: (1) Other mind-dependent objects cannot be the cause because mind-dependent objects cannot cause anything (only minds can).

P5: (2) My mind cannot be the cause because I cannot control the perceptual ideas I have.

C1: Therefore, mind-dependent objects must be caused by another mind.

P5: The complexity and orderliness of these objects requires a powerful and wise mind.

P6: The most likely cause, therefore, is God.

C2: Therefore, God exists.