George Berkeley 
A Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge 

George Berkeley’s ‘A Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge’ is a groundbreaking philosophical work that challenges the traditional views of perception and existence. Written in a clear and concise style, Berkeley argues that the only things that truly exist are those that are perceived by the mind, thus rejecting the notion of material substance. This work is essential reading for anyone interested in the philosophy of perception and the nature of reality. Berkeley’s persuasive arguments and logical reasoning make this treatise a classic in the field of philosophy. George Berkeley, an Irish philosopher and Anglican bishop, was known for his radical philosophical ideas that questioned the foundations of empiricism. His background in theology and philosophy greatly influenced the themes explored in ‘A Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge.’ Berkeley’s strong belief in the power of perception and the mind’s role in shaping reality is evident throughout the book. I highly recommend ‘A Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge’ to readers looking to delve into the complexities of metaphysics and epistemology. Berkeley’s innovative ideas continue to spark debate and provide valuable insights into the nature of human understanding.

Mengenai Pengarang

George Berkeley (1685–1753) was an Irish philosopher whose primary philosophical achievement is the advancement of a theory he called ‘immaterialism’ (later referred to as ‘subjective idealism’ by others). This theory contends that individuals can only directly know sensations and ideas of objects, not abstractions such as ‘matter’. Berkeley’s work focuses on the idea that existence is fundamentally dependent on perception; famously encapsulated in his dictum, ‘esse est percipi’ (‘to be is to be perceived’). Berkeley is also known for his critique of abstraction and his contribution to the philosophy of mathematics. A staunch advocate of empiricism and a key figure in the formative phase of the British Empirical movement, Berkeley influenced many enlightenment philosophers, including David Hume and Immanuel Kant. His seminal work, ‘A Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge’ (1710), lays out his position that the material world exists only in the experiences minds have of it. Throughout his text, Berkeley dismantles the foundations of materialism and reframes the human understanding of physical reality. His writings not only question the nature of reality and perception but also address the relationship between science and religion, lending to a holistic approach to epistemology and metaphysics. Berkeley’s literary style is characterized by rigorous argumentation, yet it remains accessible and has been praised for its clarity and elegance.