Single Idea 6737

[catalogued under 29. Religion / D. Religious Issues / 3. Problem of Evil / a. Problem of Evil]

Full Idea

Those particular things which, considered in themselves, appear to be evil, have the nature of good, when considered as linked with the whole system of beings.

Gist of Idea

Particular evils are really good when linked to the whole system of beings

Source

George Berkeley (The Principles of Human Knowledge [1710], §153)

Book Reference

Berkeley,George: 'The Principles of Human Knowledge etc.', ed/tr. Warnock,G.J. [Fontana 1962], p.144


A Reaction

This wildly contradicts the rest of Berkeley's philosophy, which is strictly empiricist, and rests wholly on actual experience. What experience does he have of the 'whole system of beings', and its making evil into actual good?