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How successful are the arguments Berkeley brings to bear against the doctrine of abstraction?
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How successful are the arguments Berkeley brings to bear against the doctrine of abstraction? George Berkeley in his book "An introduction to principles" sets out to prove Locke's doctrine of ideas as a 'vulgar error'. He explains; "It was beside my purpose to examine and refute it in a discourse concerning vision". Berkeley's view is that visible or tangible objects must exist only in the mind and therefore sensible objects are required to be perceived by some mind. This of course denies Locke's principle of Abstract ideas. As Berkeley understands them, their purpose is threefold; (1) to play an essential role in interpersonal communication, (2) a requirement for the 'enlargement of knowledge' and (3) the essential and fundamental factor linking general terms and particular things. Berkeley indeed attempts to disapprove each of these principles regarding Abstract Ideas, in attempt to fuel his argument that such ideas do not exist. In his argument...
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