George Berkeley: A Philosophical Life

Tom Jones' George Berkeley: A Philosophical Life is a comprehensive intellectual biography of the Enlightenment philosopher, exploring his life, ideas, and the world in which he lived.

Format: Hardback
Length: 648 pages
Publication date: 04 May 2021
Publisher: Princeton University Press

In his comprehensive intellectual biography, George Berkeley: A Philosophical Life, Tom Jones delves into the life and work of the renowned Irish philosopher of the Enlightenment. From his early brilliance as a student and fellow at Trinity College Dublin to his later years as Bishop of Cloyne, Berkeley applied his profound and analytical intellect to explore the diverse range of ideas and experiences of the eighteenth century.

Jones vividly portrays the complexities and contradictions of Berkeley's life and ideas. He propagated a radical immaterialism, asserting that the sole reality consisted of minds, their thoughts, and their perceptions, devoid of any underlying physical substance. However, he presented this unconventional philosophy in support of the existence and ultimate sovereignty of God.

Berkeley was an active social reformer, deeply committed to improving education and economic conditions, particularly for the indigenous peoples of North America. At the same time, he upheld the importance of obedience to hierarchy and defended slavery. Despite spending much of his life in Ireland, Berkeley embarked on extensive travels that took him to London, Italy, and New England. During his time in these regions, he attempted to establish a university for Bermuda and spent two years pursuing this endeavor before returning to Ireland to assume the position of an Anglican bishop in a predominantly Catholic country.

Jones relies on a wide range of Berkeley's writings, including philosophical treatises, personal letters, and journals, to uncover the profound connections between his life and work. The result is a meticulously detailed and multifaceted portrait of a significant Enlightenment thinker and the world in which he lived.

Through his exploration of Berkeley's life and ideas, Jones offers valuable insights into the intellectual and social landscape of the Enlightenment. He sheds light on the complexities of human nature, the relationship between faith and reason, and the challenges of navigating the boundaries between different belief systems. George Berkeley: A Philosophical Life is a testament to the enduring legacy of this influential philosopher and his profound contribution to the intellectual and cultural history of the eighteenth century.

Weight: 1068g
Dimension: 284 x 340 x 46 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691159805