Berkeley's Idealism: Sensible Qualities and the Existence of Matter

What does Berkeley mean by 'sensible qualities'?

Sensible qualities refer to things we perceive by sense, such as color and shape.

Where do sensible qualities exist according to Berkeley?

In the mind; they cannot exist outside of a mind perceiving them.

How does Berkeley differentiate between 'quality' and 'idea'?

He uses 'idea' to refer to the perception of qualities like yellowness or roundness, rather than defining quality as a feature of a body.

What is the first claim Berkeley makes about the existence of qualities?

A quality cannot exist unless a mind is aware of it.

What is the second claim Berkeley makes regarding qualities?

A quality cannot exist in an unthinking substance, such as a pencil.

What example does Berkeley use to illustrate his point about awareness?

When aware of an apple, one is aware of its color, taste, smell, figure, and consistency, which exist only in the mind.

What is the argument against the existence of primary qualities in matter?

Primary qualities are inseparably united with other sensible qualities in our awareness.

What does Berkeley argue about the inseparability of qualities?

It is inconceivable that a shape could exist without any associated color.

How does Berkeley challenge the notion of matter as a substratum?

He argues that we have no coherent understanding of matter as an unknown substratum that supports sensible features.

What is Berkeley's stance on the existence of matter?

The existence of matter is unknowable; our senses only inform us about our ideas.

What principle does Berkeley apply to conclude that sensible things can't exist without a mind?

If there's a contradiction in thinking of something, it cannot possibly exist.

What example does Berkeley give to illustrate a contradictory task?

Thinking of a triangle without three sides is a contradictory task.

Why does Berkeley consider thinking of a tree nobody is thinking of contradictory?

Because if nobody is thinking of it, it cannot exist.

What conclusion does Berkeley reach about objects outside the mind?

Objects outside the mind would not resemble the objects we are immediately aware of.

What does Berkeley say about the justification for the existence of material objects?

The hypothesis of material objects existing outside the mind is devoid of real meaning and lacks justification.

What is the significance of Berkeley's argument regarding colors and shapes?

If a feature isn't the very color we perceive, it cannot resemble that color; only a color can resemble a color.

How does Berkeley address the argument about the relativity of appearances?

He uses examples of warmth and cold to show that qualities perceived can differ based on the perceiver's state.

What does Berkeley argue about the connection between ideas and the existence of matter?

There is no necessary connection between having an idea and the existence of matter.

What does Berkeley conclude about the nature of sensible objects?

Sensible objects can only exist if some mind is thinking of them.