Full Idea
Figures and extension, being originally perceived by sense, do not belong to pure intellect.
Gist of Idea
Geometry is originally perceived by senses, and so is not purely intellectual
Source
George Berkeley (Three Dialogues of Hylas and Philonous [1713], I p.176)
Book Reference
Berkeley,George: 'The Principles of Human Knowledge etc.', ed/tr. Warnock,G.J. [Fontana 1962], p.176
A Reaction
Is the square root of 169 less 'pure' in my mind if I learn it from laying out bricks instead of by thinking about numbers? Confusion of how you learn with what you learn?
Related Idea
Idea 9867 It is absurd to define a circle, but not be able to recognise a real one [Plato]