Single Idea 6721

[catalogued under 16. Persons / D. Continuity of the Self / 7. Self and Thinking]

Full Idea

The thing which knows or perceives ideas is what I call mind, spirit, soul or myself.

Gist of Idea

Ideas are perceived by the mind, soul or self

Source

George Berkeley (The Principles of Human Knowledge [1710], §2)

Book Reference

Berkeley,George: 'The Principles of Human Knowledge etc.', ed/tr. Warnock,G.J. [Fontana 1962], p.65


A Reaction

The interest here is in making no distinction between 'mind' and 'self', which seems to ally Berkeley with Locke's view of personal identity, as continuity of consciousness. The addition of 'soul' tries to connect Locke to Christian thought.