Combining Texts

Ideas for 'Logical Pluralism', 'The Problem of the Essential Indexical' and 'Three Dialogues of Hylas and Philonous'

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2 ideas

7. Existence / A. Nature of Existence / 5. Reason for Existence

3942	I do not believe in the existence of anything, if I see no reason to believe it [Berkeley]
	Full Idea: It is to me a sufficient reason not to believe the existence of anything, if I see no reason for believing it.
	From: George Berkeley (Three Dialogues of Hylas and Philonous [1713], II p.205)
	A reaction: This may just be a reasonable application of Ockham's Razor, but I fear that Berkeley painted himself into corner by demanding too many 'reasons' for everything.

7. Existence / A. Nature of Existence / 6. Criterion for Existence

3952	I know that nothing inconsistent can exist [Berkeley]
	Full Idea: I know that nothing inconsistent can exist.
	From: George Berkeley (Three Dialogues of Hylas and Philonous [1713], III p.224)
	A reaction: Fine, but the problem is to assess with confidence what is inconsistent. Human imagination seems to be the test for existence. But what else can we do?