BQ4

Class Responses and Instructor Comments

>From Natalie:

1) All knowledge comes from experience
2) We experience sensations, not their causes
3) So we have no knowledge of what causes our sensations, i.e. objects and the material world.
Therefore There are no material objects so we arrive at abstract ideas. is that right?

>rm says: No. This argument summarizes Berkeley's objections to materialism, and it might be relevant in questions 20, 24, or 33 (and perhaps others). For this question, look at sections 7 and 8 of the Introduction.

>From jp:

From extensions, we generalize, look for the common.

>rm says: I'm not sure what you mean by 'from extensions'. Generalizing is a part of the abstraction process, true. Maybe an example would help.

>From Avrohom:

through the abuse of language, "which is the chief part in rendering [the individual's]speculation," which leads to "innumerable errors and difficulties," on the individuals part. --?

>rm says: Yes, but this is a general account, and I was looking for specifics, here.

Berkeley Reading Guide 4. How do we, supposedly, arrive at abstract ideas?		Back to Berkeley Reading Guide Back to Philosophy 101 Home Next Question
Enter your response to the above question, or to a previous response, in the form below, or use this email link. I will post your response on the right, and comment if I think I can be helpful. When emailing, instead of using the form, please indicate the question number. When using the form below, if you neglect to enter your name or email, I won't know who you are.	Class Responses and Instructor Comments >From Natalie: 1) All knowledge comes from experience 2) We experience sensations, not their causes 3) So we have no knowledge of what causes our sensations, i.e. objects and the material world. Therefore There are no material objects so we arrive at abstract ideas. is that right? >rm says: No. This argument summarizes Berkeley's objections to materialism, and it might be relevant in questions 20, 24, or 33 (and perhaps others). For this question, look at sections 7 and 8 of the Introduction. >From jp: From extensions, we generalize, look for the common. >rm says: I'm not sure what you mean by 'from extensions'. Generalizing is a part of the abstraction process, true. Maybe an example would help. >From Avrohom: through the abuse of language, "which is the chief part in rendering [the individual's]speculation," which leads to "innumerable errors and difficulties," on the individuals part. --? >rm says: Yes, but this is a general account, and I was looking for specifics, here.
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