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Three Dialogues between Hylas and Philonous

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1713

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Book Brief

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George Berkeley

Three Dialogues between Hylas and Philonous

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1713
Book Details
Pages

137

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Publication Year

1713

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Three Dialogues between Hylas and Philonous by George Berkeley is a 1713 text where two characters, Hylas and Philonous, debate materialism and idealism through a series of conversations. Hylas supports materialism, the belief that matter exists independently of perception, while Philonous, echoing Berkeley's views, champions idealism, contending that only minds and ideas exist. Through logical arguments and thought experiments, Philonous challenges and ultimately undermines Hylas's materialist perspective.

Contemplative

Mysterious

Challenging

Informative

Reviews & Readership

4.1

2,437 ratings

61%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

12%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

George Berkeley's Three Dialogues between Hylas and Philonous is praised for its engaging prose and innovative arguments on immaterialism. Critics commend Berkeley's clarity in presenting complex ideas, although some find his rejection of material substance contentious and challenging. Overall, the dialogues are celebrated for their philosophical depth and readability.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Three Dialogues between Hylas and Philonous?

Ideal for philosophy enthusiasts, a reader who engages with works like Descartes' Meditations on First Philosophy or Hume's An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding would appreciate Berkeley's Three Dialogues between Hylas and Philonous. This reader enjoys exploring metaphysics and epistemological debates about perception and reality.

4.1

2,437 ratings

61%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

12%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

137

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Publication Year

1713

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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