Berkeley: Philosophy in an Hour
-
- CHF 2.50
-
- CHF 2.50
Beschreibung des Verlags
Philosophy for busy people. Read a succinct account of the philosophy of Berkeley in just one hour.
Berkeley’s philosophy denies the existence of matter. According to his work, there is no material world, only our own experience. So when you don’t see something, it isn’t there. Then how does the world persist? Because it is supported by the continuous perception of an all-seeing God. Berkeley’s ideas appear to take empiricism to a ludicrous extreme. But is this quite so absurd as it seems? We are frequently forced to abandon common sense and the obvious in order to progress beyond the immediate muddle of everyday existence towards what we consider to be the truths of science.
Here is a concise, expert account of Berkeley’s life and philosophical ideas – entertainingly written and easy to understand. Also included are selections from Berkeley’s work, suggested further reading, and chronologies that place Berkeley in the context of the broader scheme of philosophy.
Reviews
‘Well-written, clear and informed, they have a breezy wit about them . . .I find them hard to stop reading’ NEW YORK TIMES
‘Witty, illuminating, and blessedly concise’ WALL STREET JOURNAL
‘Each of these little books is witty and dramatic and creates a sense of time, place, and character . . . I cannot think of a better way to introduce oneself and one's friends to Western civilization’ BOSTON GLOBE
‘A godsend in this era of the short attention span’ NEW YORK TIMES
About the author
Paul Strathern has lectured in philosophy and mathematics and now lives and writes in London. A Somerset Maugham prize winner, he is also the author of books on history and travel as well as five novels. His articles have appeared in a great many publications including the OBSERVER (London) and the Irish Times. His own degree in philosophy was earned at Trinity College, Dublin.