PERCEPTION- Idealism: Issues, Solipsism

Question 1

What is the idea of solipsism

Answer 1

That if objects exist in the mind then there is no way to know the reality beyond it

Question 2

How does the master argument suggest this

Answer 2

It concludes that the very idea of a mind-independent object is contradictory and impossible.
This would suggest that the world appeared when I first opened my eyes when i was born and will disappear when I die as well as it coming in and out of existence every time I close my eyes or blink.

Question 3

What does this argument ignore

Answer 3

Role of God
Berkeley doesn’t claim that objects need to exist in my mind but in some mind.
God is a permanent perceiver of the universe.
Therefore objects retain the kind of permanence that common sense demands

Question 4

How does Berkeleys view on ideas question the role of God

Answer 4

Minds can only be aware of ideas
The mind is a processor of ideas and therefore cannot be an idea itself
As we cannot have the idea of Gods mind, or any others, we are plunged back into solipsism

Question 5

What is Berkeleys response

Answer 5

I cannot have an idea of gods mind as it doesn’t have sensible qualities and therefore I cannot frame it in my mind