Single Idea 3938

[catalogued under 12. Knowledge Sources / D. Empiricism / 4. Pro-Empiricism]

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]