Langara College Modern Philosophy George Berkeley Paper 2 Pages double spaced on the following prompt: Berkeley’s philosophical views might seem to leave

Langara College Modern Philosophy George Berkeley Paper 2 Pages double spaced on the following prompt:

Berkeley’s philosophical views might seem to leave him open to the charge that he is unable to draw a distinction that persons of common sense do, namely, the distinction between appearance and reality. What is it about Berkeley’s views that seem to leave him susceptible to this criticism? How does Berkeley respond to the criticism that he cannot draw a distinction between illusory sensory experiences (e.g. the stick that appears bent in water) and veridical sensory experiences?

Points of Notice:

Make sure to cite text (from the Principles and/or Three Dialogues)

Keep response structure and points as clear and concise as possible.

I’ve attached some of my notes and a general outline below

Preferably completed by May 1, 11:59pm PT

Thanks! Assignment 3 Notes
Prompt 2
Berkeley on “appearance” and “reality”
(a) The problem of “appearance” versus “reality” for Berkeley’s philosophy
1. What very general aspect of Berkeley’s philosophy might lead to the belief that his thought
potentially destroys the distinction between appearance and reality?
o Be sure to explain your understanding of the ‘common sense’ distinction between
appearance and reality.
? Give some examples of types of “appearances” (in contrast to “reality”) that clarify
the distinction.
o One place to look is §3 of Part I of his Principles.
2. Explain how this general aspect of his philosophy might lead someone to think that Berkeley has
destroyed the distinction between appearance and reality.
o That is, provide a line of reasoning that someone might present against Berkeley in order
claim that he cannot adequately distinguish between appearance and reality.
o Note: the important point here is to provide an understanding of how it is that this
objection to his philosophy might arise.
(b) Berkeley’s solution to the problem…
Berkeley anticipates the above objection in more than one place. It is worthwhile to look at the connections
between his response to this problem in Three Dialogues (p. 530, beginning where Hylas says “What do you
say to this?”) and Principles (§29, 30, 33, 34).
1. A key example worth consideration is the “bent oar” from Three Dialogues: explain, in your own
words, the example; and make it as clear as possible why this example constitutes a case in which the
difference between appearance and reality is challenged.
2. What is the main point of Philonous’ (i.e., Berkeley’s) response?
o Important here: be sure to give try to back up, philosophically, the points that
Philonous is making. In other words, don’t just repeat (even in your own words) what
Philonous is saying, but try to get at the underlying reasons why Philonous is saying what
he is saying.
3. How does what Berkeley says in Principles help support what Philonous is saying?
o The deeper philosophical motivation behind Philonous’ views are found in Principles. So it is
worth attending to those sections in order to give a detailed account of how Berkeley
responds to this challenge.
i. Think, for example: how does Berkeley’s views about God come into play? Or, how
might his views about the “laws of nature” support his position here?
4. With all of this in mind, try to sum up, as simply as possible: What is a Berkeleyan response to the
question of how we are able to distinguish between “real” things and mere “appearances”?
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