A Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge (Oxford Philosophical Texts) [Paperback]

George Berkeley (Author), Jonathan Dancy (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0198751613 | ISBN-13: 978-0198751618 | Publication Date: May 28, 1998

In this exceptional work Berkeley makes the striking claim that physical things consist of nothing but ideas and therefore do not exist outside the mind. This claim establishes him as the founder of the idealist tradition in philosophy. The text printed in this volume is the 1734 edition of the Principles, which represents Berkeley's mature thought. Also included are four important letters between George Berkeley and Samuel Johnson, written between 1729 and 1730, an analysis of the Principles, and a glossary.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Jonathan Dancy is at University of Reading.

Product Details

• Paperback: 248 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (May 28, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0198751613
• ISBN-13: 978-0198751618
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #99,496 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ideal Idealism, October 15, 2002

By 

Warren Legg "wodge" (UK) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge (Oxford Philosophical Texts) (Paperback)

This is not the place for a philosophical analysis of Berkeley's original text, and its content of argument. The review concerns the specific book edited by Dancy, and its worth in respect of its further contribution to understanding the Treatise.
This book is to be strongly recommended as it provides a multitude of resources that contextualise, criticise, and clarify, the positions put forward by Berkeley in this work.

The most substantial contribution is the extensive introduction comprised of 15 punchy sections, covering Berkeley's life, his academic heritage, and analysis of his thought (both internal and external to that given in the Treatise). Dancy is fair to Berkeley in setting forth the most robust defences of his position, and marshalling critical arguments against the Berkelian stance. This is supplemented by an extremely thorough set of endnotes that are continually present in the background of the text, offering detailed guidance whenever necessary, or desired.

Additionally, the book offers a summarised concise overview of the arguments provided in the Treatise, a glossary of archaic terms(!), and a very helpful short section entitled "How to use this book" (why don't more books include this sort of thing?). There is also a manageable annotated bibliography of further reading to trail a path for academic expansion.

Overall, I found that this book provided a systematic treatment of the text and provided a solid structure of support surrounding the subject. Also included, the letters between Berkeley and Johnson, provide an unexpected bonus. This book is relatively cheap, considering its breadth and depth. In my opinion, it is an ideal text through which to study (and enjoy) Berkeley's Treatise.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars an interesting reading, March 24, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: A Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge (Oxford Philosophical Texts) (Paperback)

This is a very important work of George Berkeley. On of its most interesting topics is that about the existence of matter. As, for human beings, the "existence" of something is related to its perception, there is a very close link between "things" and ideas. Both cannot have their existence completely proved. The arguments place the book among the most interesting on the top issues discussed in its time (empiricism, materialism, etc.)

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars an interesting reading, March 24, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: A Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge (Oxford Philosophical Texts) (Paperback)

This is a very important work of George Berkeley. On of its most interesting topics is that about the existence of matter. As, for human beings, the "existence" of something is related to its perception, there is a very close link between "things" and ideas. Both cannot have their existence completely proved. The arguments place the book among the most interesting on the top issues discussed in its time (empiricism, materialism, etc.)