One of the greatest British philosophers, Bishop Berkeley (1685-1753) was the founder of the influential doctrine of Immaterialism - the belief that there is no reality outside the mind, and that the existence of material objects depends upon their being perceived. The Principles of Human Knowledge eloquently outlines this philosophical concept, and argues forcefully that the world consists purely of finite minds and ideas, and of an infinite spirit, God. A denial of all non-spiritual reality, Berkeley's theory was at first heavily criticized by his contemporaries, who feared its ideas would lead to scepticism and atheism. The Three Dialogues provide a powerful response to these fears.

About the Author

Bishop Berkeley (1685-1753) was one of the greatest British philosophers.


Roger Woolhouse Roger Woolhouse is a Professor in the Philosophy Department at York University. He has written extensively about philosophy in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries - mainly focusing on metaphysics and the philosophy of science. He is currently working on Leibniz and on Spinoza.

Book Information
ISBN 9780140432930
Author George Berkeley
Format Paperback
Page Count 240
Imprint Penguin Classics
Publisher Penguin Books Ltd
Weight(grams) 179g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 14mm