Researcher ORCID Identifier
0009-0005-3525-0442
Graduation Year
2023
Date of Submission
4-2023
Document Type
Campus Only Senior Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
Philosophy
Reader 1
James Kreines
Terms of Use & License Information
Rights Information
2023 Jack B Stern
Abstract
The goal of my thesis is to defend George Berkeley’s explanatory arguments for idealism and the mind. These arguments aim to show that idealism is the best explanation of our world, and that minds are the best explanation of certain mental operations, respectively. This thesis is divided into three chapters. The first two are dedicated to defending Berkeley’s explanatory argument for idealism, while the third is dedicated to defending Berkeley’s explanatory arguments for the mind. As these are different from the arguments that are usually associated with George Berkeley, I endeavor to defend both the textual accuracy of my interpretation and the philosophical merit of Berkeley’s views under my interpretation. My aim is not to convince anyone of the truth of Berkeley’s arguments, however; I only wish to show their strength and plausibility and to highlight intriguing connections between several arguments in Berkeley and core arguments in other philosophy. To that end, while my primary focus is Berkeley, I also draw parallels and objections from early modern Western philosophers like David Hume, Baruch Spinoza, and Princess Elisabeth; Buddhist philosophers like Vasubandhu; and contemporary philosophers like David Chalmers, Frank Jackson, and Thomas Nagel.
Recommended Citation
Stern, Jack, "George Berkeley’s Explanatory Arguments" (2023). CMC Senior Theses. 3325.
https://scholarship.claremont.edu/cmc_theses/3325
This thesis is restricted to the Claremont Colleges current faculty, students, and staff.
