In This Dialogue Berkeley Defends His Belief That Only Ideas

question 2

Multiple Choice

In this dialogue Berkeley defends his belief that only ideas exist. "To be is to be perceived"-to be is to be an idea in a mind-and hence matter existing apart from the mind does not exist. In this dialogue Hylas (from the Greek word for "matter") debates with Philonous (from the Greek "love of mind") . The unique thing about Berkeley's idealism is that unlike traditional idealism (e.g., Plato's) , it is not rationalistic. Berkeley does not propose that ideas exist independently but rather assumes an empirical foundation. He agrees with Locke that all ideas originate in sense experience and proceeds to show that all we ever experience are ideas. The only reality that exists to be known is perceivers and perceptions. To hold all of this ideal reality together one must posit a Divine mind that perceives us and hence causes our existence as ideas in the Divine's mind.
-According to Hume, the senses do not give us images of something distinct, independent, or external because

• A) they convey to us images of things beyond our perceptions.
• B) all our perceptions are the product of dreams.
• C) the senses convey to us nothing but a single perception and nothing beyond that.
• D) our senses cannot be trusted.

---

Definitions:

Echoic Memory

A subtype of sensory memory that retains auditory information, allowing sounds to be remembered for a short period after they are heard.

Auditory Impression

The perception or interpretation of sounds by the brain, including how noises, music, and speech are heard and understood.

Procedural Memories

Memories of how to perform tasks or actions, such as riding a bike or swimming, that are usually recalled without conscious effort.

Implicit Memories

Memories that are formed and used unconsciously and can affect thoughts and behaviors without an individual's awareness.