| Papers [1-15] of 100 :: [Page 1 of 7] | | Go to page : 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 —> | Search results on "GEORGE BERKELEY PERCEPTION WORLD": |
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George Berkeley's Perception of the World, 2006.
A discussion on whether philosopher George Berkeley's idealism represents most people's commonsense view of the world.
675 words (approx. 2.7 pages), 1 source, $ 26.95
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Abstract
This paper describes the life and philosophy of 18th century Irish philosopher, George Berkeley and discusses his theory of idealism. The paper considers whether Berkeley's idealism represents most people's commonsense view of the world and concludes that, though intriguing and well argued, Berkeley's analysis is not commonsensical.
From the Paper
"Does George Berkeley's idealism represent most people's commonsense view of the world? Though intriguing and well argued, Berkeley's analysis is not commonsensical. George Berkeley lived from 1685 until 1753. He was born in Ireland, educated in Dublin, and even spent some time in Bermuda trying to convert the local population to Christianity. In 1734 he was made Bishop of Cloyne (Frost 277-278). Berkeley was an idealist and expanded upon the work of John Locke. He asked, if the basis of knowledge is sensations and our reflections upon those sensations, how can we know a distinct world exists? In other words, we only have our minds to go on. Perception is the rule by which the universe is measured. As such, perception is tantamount to existence."
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George Berkeley and David Human, 2006.
A comparison and contrast analysis of knowledge and ideas in the works of George Berkeley and David Hume.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 2 sources, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This philosophical study examines the basis of knowledge and ideas within the works of George Berkeley and David Hume. By realizing that Berkeley does not define reality through the human sensory apparatus, human beings can only realize the world around them as ideas that exist only within the mind. Hume also agrees with this philosophy through his empirical perspective, but is not absolutist in realizing how nature and faith act as 'guides' in human perception of the world.
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George Berkeley, 2004.
An insight into the theories of the philosopher, George Berkeley.
1,478 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how George Berkeley?s beliefs are in direct contrast to those of Locke and Hume concerning the nature of God, the nature of man, and the nature of being. It examines how, to Berkeley, there really are no ?things? and how nothing actually exists except when perceived by a human being. It looks at how he takes his beliefs further and initiates the modern conception, in some quarters, that we are all simply part of God?s dream. It also discusses how Berkeley posits that every object we experience as ?real? or ?solid? or made of matter actually is simply a construct created by God for human convenience, or inconvenience as the case may be.
From the Paper
"To prove his point, Berkeley used the analogy of the chair. He asks that we imagine a person alone in the world and without language. There are all sorts of physical things around this person, including rocks, rivers, mountains and chairs. She can see them, perceive them, but has no words to describe them or refer to them. Berkeley asks if she can think about them anyway, and he proposes that she can. ?Thoughts, like words, have the capacity to refer to things, a capacity they do not owe to language.? (quoted by Winkler 1) Berkeley goes beyond that, noting that although we could use the word chair to refer to a table, we could not use the thought chair to refer to table. Calling up the thought of table produces a perception that is table, not chair. (Winkler 1)"
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George Berkeley, 1993.
A critique of the theory of immaterialism from the philosopher, George Berkeley's "Three Dialogues Between Hylas and Philonous".
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 1 source, $ 39.95
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From the Paper
"This study will explain the objection to George Berkeley's theory that the theory gives dreams and hallucinations as much claim to truth as our ordinary waking experiences. The study will also describe and evaluate Berkeley's response in defense of his theory.
Berkeley enters tenuous philosophical territory and invites such criticism when he argues that there is no such thing as matter, as material existence. The realm of the mind is abstract enough without removing the world of matter and placing all reality in the mind, even if that mental territory includes the mind of God. Other philosophers used the material world to at least ground the mind, but Berkeley is trying to argue that all reality is immaterial. Berkeley's theory is slippery enough when we limit ourselves to the activities of the sober, sane mind which..."
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Reality and the External World, 2008.
A comparison of the views of Rene Descartes and George Berkeley on the notion of the external world and how people interact with it.
1,058 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the notion that there is an external world and that people generally interact with it in similar manners. It describes and analyzes the philosophies of Rene Descartes and George Berkeley who both attempted to formally justify these notions. Furthermore, the paper compares and contrasts the views of the two philosophers in their explanations of the external world and reality.
From the Paper
"It seems that there is an almost undeniable disconnect between our mental constructions of how the world operates around us--largely through language--and the way in which this world may actually work in an objective sense. Since, according to Berkeley and many others, there may be little logical backing to the notion that an objective, physical reality can ever be reasonably approximated by any of us--because we are so completely committed to our own individual points of view--it has been historically difficult for correspondence theorists to generate a formula by which objective truth can be determined. After all, the linguistic mechanisms that we all make use of every day involve, extensively, relational propositions, universals, predicates, and other functions that fail to unambiguously possess any meaning in the physical world."
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Berkeley's Great Distaste for the Existence of Matter, 2002.
This paper critically analyzes George Berkeley's first argument against the existence of matter presented in "A Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge."
2,220 words (approx. 8.9 pages), 0 sources, $ 68.95
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Abstract
In this paper, the writer critically examines Berkeley's first line of argument against the existence of matter that he presents in "A Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge". This argument is frequently called "the Perception Argument" and is his first attempt to more firmly establish his central thesis of existence being tied into perception. The paper thoroughly explains the argument and presents Berkeley's responses to the most immediate objections that come up to it (the objections that are actually addressed in the text of his treatise). The writer also examines briefly how Berkeley's argument serves to contradict arguments regarding material substance made by Locke in "An Essay Concerning Human Understanding". The paper then offers a more robust objection to Berkeley's Perception Argument that attacks some key assumptions that the argument clearly relies on, specifically those regarding relationships between matter and ideas that Berkeley clearly assumes do not exist. The objection is furthered by examining the sections where Berkeley assumes that matter does exist in an attempt to show that such an assumption involves manifest contradictions.
From the Paper
" Over the course of reading A Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge, it becomes evident that Berkeley is not so much trying to convince the reader of a certain opinion of the nature of the world and our perception of it as much as he is trying to present his actual, everyday perception of the world and his existence in it. Berkeley repeatedly says things like, "Some truths there are so near and obvious to the mind, that a man need only open his eyes to see them," (?6) that suggest the intuitive obviousness that he sees in his doctrine. Frequently, a tone of frustration comes through in his writing - especially in the sections dealing with possible objections to his theory (?34-84) - illustrative of the difficulty he must have been feeling in trying to get everyone else to see what was so damn obvious to him. As such, many of Berkeley's arguments in support of his particular fundamental beliefs seem to be afterthoughts of their respective conclusions. His vision of the nature of existence being grounded in "esse is percipi" (?3) is so strong that he does not always seem to be too concerned with the particular logic behind his supporting arguments. This is especially true when it comes to his arguments denying the existence of matter. In this paper, I will argue that, while Berkeley's conclusion regarding the non-existence of matter is quite profound, his actual arguments for this conclusion do not sufficiently verify it. To do this, I will examine the first argument Berkeley makes against the existence of matter, the so-called "Perception Argument." I will argue that this argument relies heavily on a fallacious line of reasoning about the nature of matter and the inability of matter to cause ideas in us. I will then examine several passages in Principles that support the idea that Berkeley's belief that matter does not exist is grounded largely in his - or anyone else's - inability to really define what matter is. "
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Berkeley?s Immaterialism and the Existence of God: A Case Study, 2001.
This paper discusses the philosopher George Berkeley's concept of immaterialism, his subsequent argument for the existence of God, and the reasons why his argument cannot be accepted as being valid.
1,665 words (approx. 6.7 pages), 8 sources, APA, $ 54.95
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Abstract
An intricate discussion of philosopher George Berkeley's concept of immaterialism and his subsequent argument for the necessary existence of a Supreme Being, or God. The author outlines and analyzes Berkeley's two major philosophical treatises, and the main arguments found in each are clearly defined and presented in a succinct, yet detailed manner. Philosophical ideas/concepts discussed include the ?Likeness Principle? and the variability of sensory experience. The paper then presents Berkeley?s argument for the existence of God, which builds upon the already established theory of immaterialism by discussing the distinction between absolute and relative existence.
From the Paper
"Immaterialism, as defined by Berkeley, is the idea that it is impossible for any sensible qualities whatsoever to exist independent of a mind (Berkeley 1965, 5-6). This argument is brought forth succinctly and clearly in the Dialogues, in which Berkeley presents his case through the character of Philonous, and defends it against criticism by the character of Hylas. Although there are many aspects in both Principles and the Dialogues that contribute to the overall argument for immaterialism, for the purpose of this essay, only two of the strongest points will be discussed- the argument from variability and the likeness principle.
One of the key features of Berkeley?s argument for immaterialism centers on the variability of one?s sensory experiences in comparison to another?s. He notes that each individual perceives the world differently, whether in terms of smell, taste, sight, or touch. One of the ways in which this variability of sensory experiences is presented by Philonous to Hylas is during a discussion between the two concerning taste. Philonous points out that although a certain food may taste pleasant to one person, that same food may taste awful to another. ?How could this be?, Philonous asks Hylas, ?if taste was something really inherent in the food?? (Berkeley 1998, [180]) There is only apparent taste, and this requires dependence on a mind. The same argument is also applied to smell, touch, sight, extension, motion, and solidity, and is reasoned to be just as effective. Perceptual variability occurs with these senses/qualities as well, and none of the apparent smells or colors seem to be any more real than any other ([68-78])."
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Locke, Berkeley, and Hume on Substance, 2004.
Presents the notion of substance in the philosophy of three British Empiricists, John Locke, George Berkeley, and David Hume.
4,686 words (approx. 18.7 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 120.95
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Abstract
By considering the discussion of substance in John Locke's "An Essay Concerning Human Understanding", George Berkeley's "A Treatise of Human Nature", and David Hume's "A Treatise Of Human Nature", this paper considers the philosophers in an independent fashion and brings to light the evolutionary character of their expositions. The paper concludes with the author's personal criticism of the three philosophers.
From the Paper
"The underlying assumption is that we cannot have true knowledge of reality; instead we can only make judgments about it based on the aforementioned agreement or disagreement of ideas. According to Locke, ideas come to us by way of our senses and the world is merely represented; therefore we have but a probable knowledge about reality. By the process of abstraction, it is possible to construct complex ideas about the world. From the perception and comprehension of multiple simultaneous simple ideas we abstract common traits and come up with the idea of substance."
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Visual Perception, 2004.
This paper discusses the development of visual perception from the concept of modular brain architecture, which holds that the brain is bestowed with some finite characteristics from birth.
1,875 words (approx. 7.5 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 59.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the debate over the nature of visual perception is not new and begins with the empiricists of the 17th century, including John Locke, Bishop George Berkeley, and David Hume. The author points out that the debate over the development of vision in infants revolves around cortical and sub-cortical vision. The paper relates that pattern recognition has attracted the attention of many neuroscience researchers, especially in the area of statistical pattern recognition (the decision-theoretic approach) and syntactic pattern recognition.
From the Paper
"Other studies have shown that reaction times improve when there is a sense of anticipation in the subject, evidencing that conditioning or learned behavior is also a neurological factor in this type of pattern recognition. Researchers report that reaction times are faster when the subject has been warned that a stimulus will arrive soon. Welford was the first to have developed an understanding between the roles of psychology and fatigue. Complicated actions tend to affect reaction times. Mental fatigue has a far greater effect than physical fatigue on reaction times."
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George Caitlin Stories, 2002.
Comparing two books telling the story of George Caitlin, an American writer and painter, in two completely different ways -"Paintbrush & Peacepipe: The Story of George Catlin", by Anne Rockwell and "George Catlin and the Old Frontier", by Harold McCracken
2,795 words (approx. 11.2 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 83.95
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Abstract
This paper shows that even though the two books tell the same life story of Caitlin, each one differs most significantly in tone and style according to the vastly different audiences to which each is directed. Rockwell's book was intended for children - less pages and more illustration, whereas McCracken's book presents itself as a very authoritive piece on Caitlin's life in an artbook format.
From the Paper
"The first book, Paintbrush and Peacepipe, 86 small pages in length, with 8 brief chapters and 15 illustrations, is written for children. By comparison, the second book, George Catlin and the Old Frontier, with its 209 oversized pages might seem a vastly superior presentation of George Catlin's biography. The artbook format of McCracken's work, with its 36 color and 118 black and white illustrations, is far more authoritative and detailed in its representation of the scope of Catlin's art. Yet, Paintbrush & Peacepipe, in it's minimalist manner is a highly educational and effective piece of work."
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George Mosse's "Toward the Final Solution", 2002.
This paper discusses George Mosse's "Toward the Final Solution: A History of European Racism" that traces the manner in which racist categories of thought came to shape European perception and cultural history in the 19th century.
1,150 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 1 source, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper examines Mosse's view of how thinkers such as J.G. Herder, Arthur De Gobineau and Paul De Lagarde contributed to the formulation and dissemination of racist categories of thinking.
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Perception Theory, 2002.
A discussion of perception theory by analysis of J.J. Gibson's ecological approach and Marr's computational theory.
3,413 words (approx. 13.7 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 96.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how the issue of perception in various fields, including philosophy and psychology has been debated with vigor over the last fifty years. In order to consider the theory of perception , it evaluates Gibson's ecological approach which believes there is no mediation from the mind between the object of perception and the perception event itself. The function of perception is thus one of adaptation and therefore the purpose of perception is then to adapt the organism to its environment. In contrast it compares this theory to Marr?s computational theory in which perception is seen from the neuropsychological level. Marr in fact compares the human visual system to a computer system. It analyzes how the computational theory appears to oppose the environmental theory in its paradigm that the mind mediates all that is perceived.
From the Paper
"In contrast to Gibson, Marr studies the deep recesses of the body in order to come to a conclusion about perception. This is a very scientific approach, whereas Gibson relied on data gathered from observers and from himself in a more philosophical paradigm. For Marr then a thorough study going beyond the anatomy and physiology of the retinal ganglion cells and lateral geniculate neurons is essential in order to understand the reasons for their receptive fields. Furthermore the connections and interactions of these cells are useful in understanding their behavior. However in order to understand the reasons for the nature of the receptive fields, it is necessary to study the phenomena of differential operators, band-pass channels, and the mathematics of the uncertainty principle."
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Perception, 2006.
An examination of the concept of perception in psychological theories.
1,851 words (approx. 7.4 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 59.95
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Abstract
Within the realm of cognitive psychology, the concept of perception is a controversial topic. Various approaches attempt to explain the concept of perception. Perception involves the relationship between the observer and the environment. For the purposes of this discussion, this paper focuses on evaluating two fundamental approaches to explaining perception: Direct perception theory and inferential theory.
From the Paper
"Furthermore the theory asserts that the retinae move in correlation with the visual world (Warren and Wertheim, 1990). As a result of such movement, the visual streaming action of the optic array relative to the retinae is described as the optic flow (Warren and Wertheim, 1990). In addition, these movements of the retinae in space occur because the eyes move with in their orbits, because the head shifts, because the whole observer is in motion, or any comparable combination (Warren and Wertheim, 1990). In Gibson's estimation, these factors are described as self-motion. (Warren and Wertheim, 1990)"
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George W. Bush: Measuring the Man, 2001.
An application of James Barber's analysis from his book "Presidential Character" to George W. Bush. Includes details of George Bush's formative years.
1,660 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 7 sources, $ 53.95
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Abstract
This essay applies the theories contained in Barber's book Presidential Character, to George W. Bush and investigates which personality profile he fits into. The author analyzes whether he is active, positive, passive or negative. Includes an in-depth look into the Bush's formative years.
From the Paper
"In his book Presidential Character, James Barber outlines certain characteristics, traits and life experiences which he feels produce particular types of presidents. Depending on these characteristics, traits and experiences, he then provides the reader with four possible categories within which to place the candidate. By ascertaining which category a contender falls into, Barber maintains that society can and should judge their suitability for presidential office. A major element in ascertaining a candidate?s category is the study of their personality. Barber feels that personality is ?patterned?, meaning that character, worldview and style all work together in its creation. Once one has an in-depth knowledge of a candidate?s personality, one is able to analyze how they would react and interact with current world forces, events and issues. Barber also stresses the importance of researching the president?s childhood and the environment in which their personality was shaped, through to the initial important decisions made in adult life."
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Steffler's George Cartwright, 2002.
A character analysis of John Steffler's George Cartwright from the novel "The Afterlife of George Cartwright."
1,620 words (approx. 6.5 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 52.95
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This paper is a character analysis of Steffler's main character in "The Afterlife of George Cartwright". It focuses on the character's traits of unloving, wild, a corruptor and himself corrupted and how they change within the novel. Cartwright begins as a just young man in the army and becomes what he had always hated, a true corruptor of society.
From the Paper
"When writing a novel a writer should create living people; people not characters" (Hemingway, 95). Steffler achieves the creation of a person in the character of George Cartwright by blending numerous personality traits. These traits can be both pleasant, and upsetting, and either creates distance or closeness between Cartwright and the other characters. In order to make the character more realistic Steffler creates a progression in some of these traits, to create the illusion of growth in Cartwright over the span of his lifetime. Paradoxically, everything Cartwright claims to hate he later embodies. This is not entirely of his accord; his early years in the army set up his adult characteristics. His development is from a man of pride and ambition, although rough and rugged, to an uncivilized corruptor of native society. His pride and ambition are spoiled when he realizes that it is wealth that buys you promotions in the army and not skill or hard work. He grows to become the man Steffler portrays as unloving, wild, and as both corrupted and as a corruptor. "
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