George Berkeley (1685–1753), an Anglo-Irish philosopher and Anglican bishop, stands as one of the most provocative thinkers of the early modern period. Known for his radical philosophy of immaterialism, often summarized by the Latin phrase esse est percipi (“to be is to be perceived”), Berkeley challenged conventional views of reality, arguing that the material world exists only as ideas in the mind. His work, blending empiricism with idealism, influenced later philosophers like David Hume and Immanuel Kant, while his life reflected a deep commitment to religion, education, and social reform. This article explores Berkeley’s life, key ideas, and lasting legacy.
Early Life and Education
Born on March 12, 1685, near Kilkenny, Ireland, Berkeley grew up at Dysert Castle, the eldest son of William Berkeley, a gentleman of English descent. He attended Kilkenny College before enrolling at Trinity College, Dublin, in 1700. There, he earned a bachelor’s degree in 1704 and became a fellow in 1707, immersing himself in the intellectual currents of the time, including the empiricism of John Locke and the skepticism of Pierre Bayle. These influences shaped his early philosophical inquiries, particularly his rejection of material substance and abstract ideas.
The Development of Immaterialism
Berkeley’s philosophical career took off with a trio of groundbreaking works published in his twenties. In 1709, An Essay Towards a New Theory of Vision explored the psychology of sight, arguing that visual perception is not of material objects but of light and color, dependent on the mind. This laid the groundwork for his magnum opus, A Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge (1710), where he introduced immaterialism. Berkeley posited that reality consists solely of minds (or “spirits”) and their ideas—sensations or perceptions. Physical objects, like trees or books, exist only as collections of ideas perceived by a mind, and their continued existence when unperceived by humans is guaranteed by God’s constant perception.
In 1713, Berkeley published Three Dialogues Between Hylas and Philonous, a more accessible defense of his ideas in dialogue form. Here, he critiqued the materialism of thinkers like Descartes and Locke, who distinguished between primary qualities (like shape) and secondary qualities (like color) of objects. Berkeley argued that all qualities are mind-dependent, and the notion of a material substance existing independently of perception is incoherent. His famous dictum, “to be is to be perceived,” challenged readers to rethink the nature of existence itself.
Berkeley’s immaterialism was both revolutionary and controversial. Critics mocked it as absurd, claiming it denied the reality of the physical world. Yet Berkeley insisted his philosophy aligned with common sense, avoiding skepticism by grounding reality in divine perception and human experience. He saw his work as a defense against atheism, believing that materialism distanced God from the world, reducing the universe to a mechanical system.
A Life Beyond Philosophy
Berkeley’s life was as dynamic as his ideas. Ordained in the Anglican Church in 1709, he became Bishop of Cloyne in 1734, serving until 1752. As a bishop, he was dedicated to the welfare of both Protestants and Catholics in Ireland, establishing schools and advocating for economic reforms through works like The Querist (1735–1737). His commitment to education led him to propose a college in Bermuda to educate Native Americans and colonists, a project that took him to Rhode Island from 1728 to 1731. Though the venture failed due to lack of funding, Berkeley’s time in America left a lasting mark, with institutions like Yale benefiting from his influence and the city of Berkeley, California, later named in his honor.
Berkeley was also a man of varied interests. He critiqued Newton’s calculus in The Analyst (1734), engaged in scientific discussions, and promoted tar-water as a medical remedy in Siris (1744), a work that blended philosophy with practical advice. His travels across Europe, including Italy, enriched his writings with vivid descriptions, and his friendships with literary giants like Jonathan Swift and Alexander Pope underscored his cultural influence.
Later Years and Legacy
In 1752, Berkeley retired to Oxford to oversee his son George’s education. He died there on January 14, 1753, and was buried in Christ Church Cathedral. His wife, Anne, outlived him, defending his philosophy until her death in 1786. Berkeley’s genial personality and intellectual rigor earned him admiration, even from those who disagreed with his ideas.
Berkeley’s philosophy, though often dismissed as eccentric during his lifetime, has endured as a profound challenge to materialism. His immaterialism anticipated later idealist systems and influenced the development of phenomenology and philosophy of science. Scholars like A.A. Luce and Thomas Edmund Jessop elevated Berkeley studies in the 20th century, recognizing his clarity and originality. His ideas continue to spark debate, with some seeing parallels to modern theories of perception and reality.
Why Berkeley Matters Today
George Berkeley’s work forces us to question the nature of reality and our place within it. By asserting that existence depends on perception, he invites us to consider the limits of human knowledge and the role of consciousness in shaping our world. His philosophy, rooted in a deep faith in God, also reflects a timeless effort to reconcile reason with spirituality. Beyond philosophy, Berkeley’s life as a reformer, educator, and bishop showcases a thinker who sought to improve the world around him.
Today, Berkeley’s name lives on in academic halls and city streets, a testament to his enduring impact. Whether grappling with his radical ideas or admiring his commitment to human welfare, readers encounter in Berkeley a philosopher who dared to see the world as a thought in the mind of God—a vision as audacious as it is unforgettable.
For further reading, explore Berkeley’s key works, such as A Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge or Three Dialogues Between Hylas and Philonous, available in modern editions like those edited by Michael R. Ayers or A.A. Luce and T.E. Jessop.
