Single Idea 3953

[catalogued under 12. Knowledge Sources / D. Empiricism / 1. Empiricism]

Full Idea

The difference between real things, and chimeras formed by the imagination, or the visions of a dream, is that the latter are faint and indistinct.

Clarification

A 'chimera' is a mythical beast

Gist of Idea

Real things and imaginary or dreamed things differ because the latter are much fainter

Source

George Berkeley (Three Dialogues of Hylas and Philonous [1713], III p.225)

Book Reference

Berkeley,George: 'The Principles of Human Knowledge etc.', ed/tr. Warnock,G.J. [Fontana 1962], p.225


A Reaction

In Hume this becomes 'impressions' and 'ideas'. It does raise the question of WHY some ideas are not as faint as others.