Three Dialogues Between Hylas and Philonous

George Berkeley

Des 2008 · Cosimo, Inc.

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A philosophical exploration in the form of a classical dialogue such as Aristotle or his pupils might have written, these fanciful-and imaginary-debates pit Philonous, representing author Berkeley, against Hylas, generally accepted to represent Berkeley's adversary in British empiricism John Locke. Matters of skepticism, perception, materialism, and more are discussed in entertaining and enlightening fashion. First published in 1713, this is a curious artifact of an earlier age of philosophy that will bemuse and amuse readers of classic literature. Irish scientist, philosopher, and writer GEORGE BERKELEY (1685-1753) also wrote An Essay Towards a New Theory of Vision (1709) and A Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge (1710).

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Born and reared in Ireland, George Berkeley studied at Trinity College, Dublin, and then taught as a fellow there, eventually becoming Dean of Derry (1724) and Bishop of Cloyne (1734) in the Irish branch of the Anglican church. His primary philosophical interests included metaphysics and epistemology, the psychology of perception, philosophy of science, and natural theology. But he is best known for his defense of metaphysical idealism and denial of the existence of matter. Berkeley's best-known writings were produced relatively early in his life, between the ages of 24 and 28: They included Essay Towards a New Theory of Vision (1709), Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge (1710), and Three Dialogues (1713). In 1728 Berkeley made a voyage to the United States in an unsuccessful attempt to found a college in Bermuda. He lived for two years at Newport, Rhode Island, and had a significant influence on American education, chiefly through his association with and donation of books to Yale University and his correspondence with Samuel Johnson, the first president of what is now Columbia University.