A new theory of vision : and other writings / [George] Berkeley ; introduction by A. D. Linsay.

  • George Berkeley
Date:
[1910]
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Credit: A new theory of vision : and other writings / [George] Berkeley ; introduction by A. D. Linsay. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    of abstract ideas hath had no small share in rendering those sciences intricate and obscure, which are particularly conversant about spiritual things. [Men have imagined they could frame abstract notions of the powers and acts of the mind, and consider them prescinded, as well from the mind or spirit itself, as from their respective objects and effects.] Hence a great number of dark and am- biguous terms, presumed to stand for abstract notions, have been introduced into metaphysics and morality, and from these have grown infinite distractions and disputes amongst the learned. CXLIV.^ [But nothing seems more to have contributed towards engaging men in controversies and mistakes, with regard to the nature and operations of the mind, than the being used to speak of those things in terms bor- rowed from sensible ideas.] For example, the will is termed the motion of the soul : this infuses a belief, that the mind of man is as a ball in motion, impelled and determined by the objects of sense, as necessarily as that is by the stroke of a racket. Hence arise endless scruples and errors of dangerous consequence in morality. All which, I doubt not, maybe cleared, and truth appear plain, uniform, and consistent, could but philosophers be prevailed on to retire into themselves, and attentively consider their own meaning. CXLV. Knowledge of spirits not immediate.—[From what hath been said, it is plain that we cannot know the existence of other spirits otherwise than by their operations^ or the ideas by them excited in us. I perceive several motions, changes, and combinations of ideas, that inform me there are certain particular agents like myself which accompany them, and concur in their production.] [Hence the knowledge I have of other spirits is not immediate, as is the knowledge of my ideas; but de- pending on the intervention of ideas, by me referred to 1 We are said to have an idea of spirit because (i) an opinion of spirit may be had in the manner of an idea.—Sect. cxl. (2) It has been thought practicable to have an abstract idea of the powers and acts of the mind.—Sect, cxhii. (3) These powers are spoken of in terms borrowed from sensible objects.—Sect, cxliv.