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I do not deny the existence of material substance merely…

“I do not deny the existence of material substance merely because I have no notion of it, but because the notion of it is inconsistent, or in other words, because it is repugnant that there should be a notion of it.” quote by George Berkeley
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“I do not deny the existence of material substance merely because I have no notion of it, but because the notion of it is inconsistent, or in other words, because it is repugnant that there should be a notion of it.”

George Berkeley

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

He denies material substance because the concept is contradictory and repugnant, asserting that existence depends on perception.

In simple terms: He rejects matter as impossible, believing only ideas exist.

Key Takeaway

Question assumptions about reality.

Themes

philosophy materialism perception skepticism

Mood

thoughtful critical

Type

theoretical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • debate on reality
  • scientific inquiry
  • personal belief

Key Concepts

idealism ontological argument

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is perception enough to explain existence?
  • What role does material evidence play?
A Different Perspective

His view ignores practical utility of material explanations.

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