Deny Quote by George Berkeley
“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.”
About This Quote
Source Philosophy: Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge, 1710
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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