Single Idea 6522

[catalogued under 11. Knowledge Aims / C. Knowing Reality / 2. Phenomenalism]

Full Idea

It is useful to identify three kinds of phenomenalism: theistic, sceptical and analytic; the first is represented by Berkeley, the second by Hume, and the third by most twentieth-century phenomenalists.

Clarification

'Theistic' theories involve God

Gist of Idea

Phenomenalism can be theistic (Berkeley), or sceptical (Hume), or analytic (20th century)

Source

Howard Robinson (Perception [1994], IX.4)

Book Reference

Robinson,Howard: 'Perception' [Routledge 2001], p.226


A Reaction

In Britain the third group is usually represented by A.J.Ayer. My simple objection to all phenomenalists is that they are intellectual cowards because they won't venture to give an explanation of the phenomena which confront them.